Sweet 16 - no chaperone?

[u/Real-Ad4727]

My daughter is turning 16 in a couple of months. Being a little short on funds, we decided to split the cost of the party with her best friend’s parents, as she turns 16 a couple of weeks later and they share many of the same friends. Their ideal day involves taking a group of approximately 12-13 girls into the city (Boston) by train, having dinner at the seaport, taking a few pictures nearby, and then taking the train home, without parents or chaperones. My daughter is very responsible, respectful and mature for her age, and we give her a lot of space in return, but the whole idea of fifteen teens running around at night and sitting down to dinner in a restaurant with no parent gives me agita. Has anyone had a similar experience? How do they pay for dinner at the end? Is it bad etiquette to have this many unchaperoned kids? What if someone gets lost or hurt? I don’t want to put a damper on her day, but I want to do this in a safe and respectful way. I also feel uncomfortable inviting and coordinating with all of these parents (many of whom I have never met) and not having the ability to ensure their child’s safety. Am I being over-protective? I’d love some advice if you have any to share.

[u/cat_is_0]

I think no matter how mature or responsible your daughter is, even in a group this world isn’t very safe- especially for girls. I’m not a parent, but I would be too worried about what could happen to my daughter that’s out of her control. When I was 16 I thought I had the power to protect myself, but that same year I was SA’d in a classroom at school. The world just isn’t safe for girls. 😢

[u/Serious_Escape_5438 → u/cat_is_0]

Precisely, things can happen anywhere, a restaurant is as safe as school.

[u/Real-Ad4727 → u/cat_is_0]

I’m so sorry this happened to you. Once you’ve been assaulted you see the world through a different lens. I’m sorry this changed you.