The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Bizarre TVO Show Sends 3–6-Year-Olds Out Alone On Various Errands

**Posted by RadioActive** September 23, 2024 9:16 am

Would you let your 3-year-old take a bus by themselves to deliver a pizza? That's one of the conceits behind a TVO show called "Old Enough."

It takes very young kids, between the ages of 3 and 6, and sends them off to do various tasks, all while a camera rolls. It's hosted by Canadian comedian and "Whose Line Is It Anyway" vet Colin Mochrie.

It's the latest wrinkle in the never-ending (and some would say completely unnecessary) reality trend. But this one is aimed at younger children.

Is it safe? Mochrie insists there's a cadre of producers and people who keep non-stop eyes on the toddlers, and that they're never in any danger.

But would you feel safe letting your kids be on this show, based on a Japanese reality series?

You can watch it here and see Mochrie talk about how it works here.

**Posted by RadioActive** September 23, 2024 9:16 am

The TVO website explains how they ensure the kids are kept safe on their "missions."

Careful planning: We meticulously plan each errand route, considering factors like traffic, distance, and potential hazards.
Multiple camera crews: We have multiple camera crews discreetly following the children, ensuring they are never out of sight.
Hidden chaperones: Trained chaperones are disguised and positioned along the route to provide immediate assistance if needed.
Communication: We maintain communication with the parents, who are always aware of their child's location and progress.

Still gives me the creeps.

**Posted by Binson Echorec** September 23, 2024 11:30 am

Not that I agree with expecting kids to behave as full-fledged adults but it's never too early to teach responsibility.

**Posted by paterson1** September 23, 2024 11:42 am

I don't really see anything wrong with this program at all. Most parents will find it interesting. I came across this report which ranks the best countries in the world for raising children. From US News And World Report..https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/best-countries-to-raise-a-family

**Posted by Hansa** September 23, 2024 12:40 pm

It's really sad we now have a culture where we are too afraid to let kids go out unattended Our Gang/The Little Rascals, "Leave it to Beaver" and even the "Kids of Degrassi Street" and other kid-based stories from last century must seem like science fiction to kids today. Imagine allowing kids to run around on their own.

**Posted by RadioActive** September 23, 2024 1:14 pm

Hansa wrote:
It's really sad we now have a culture where we are too afraid to let kids go out unattended Our Gang/The Little Rascals, "Leave it to Beaver" and even the "Kids of Degrassi Street" and other kid-based stories from last century must seem like science fiction to kids today. Imagine allowing kids to run around on their own.

I don't entirely disagree, but 3 year olds seem a little too young to me for this kind of thing, support staff notwithstanding. Can we not let kids be kids just a bit longer?

**Posted by newsguy1** September 23, 2024 1:39 pm

Years ago I was driving in my Annex Toronto neighbourhood.
I was stopped at a red light, and on the corner was a family, mother father and a couple of kids, who had the yellow light.
The light for me changed to green and the family stopped because their light had turned red.
I put my foot on the gas to move forward when out of nowhere the little girl of the family broke away from her parent and ran out into the road in front of me, against the red light.
I slammed on my brakes but still just touched her and she fell down and began crying.
She was about 10 years old.
I was totally freaked out and got out of my car immediately.
The girl was OK, just scared, but I expected her parents to surround and berate me and call the police or something.
Instead the mother began scolding the girl, saying things like "I thought I told you never to run ahead of us, etc. She then looked at me and said, "I'm sure you feel really awful about this" and I replied yes, while profusely apologizing.
No police were called and I drove on.
So that was the behaviour of child about ten years old, while being completely supervised by her family
So you think a TV crew is going to do any better protecting a kid?

Last edited by newsguy1 (September 23, 2024 1:40 pm)