Growing kids

Kids just took off to a friend's birthday party. Earlier years, I was always the driver, regardless how near or far the location was. However, now, they could go by themselves - walking, cycling, skiing, depending on season. The location of today's celebration is not far from our home, just 1,5km distance.... and I could see them from the livingroom window.... unblock view. I can observe them following 'traffic rules' and walking 'calmly' through the long stretch of roads. The environment here is so safe and peaceful, children can go out any time, visit their friends by themselves, without worrying of being kidnapped, or hit by cars etc. Usually home doors are not locked, and cars are left in garage with keys etc.. nothing will go missing. However, the con is, children growing up in such an heavenly environment have less consciousness in mind about self-protection and their alert system is very low. That's always the challenge when we return to Asia because that is a totally different world compared to here.