mid 60’s. When I was 8 years old up until I was 17 it was pretty much as you say - free range in the summer playing ball, biking all over town, and never had to worry about anyone bothering you except for the occasional fight with one of your friends over some petty matter. It’s much different now. If your neighbors know your kids (under the age of 13) are basically home alone, they probably will call the cops on you! And, after social services gets through with you, you probably want to strangle your neighbors or worse.