Is it me or is this kind of thing happening more and more?

3 year old child found 'alone' in burning building.

http://news.uk.msn.com/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=10228955

AC

its had to tell if its more common, or more publicised. its still wrong though!

As above, it's wrong and there's no excuse.

However, I think it's probably far less common than in the past. Even 30 years ago when I was a child, I had loads of friends who were 'latch key kids'. As for (say) Victorian or Medieval times, unless you were seriously wealthy, most kids would have had to fend for themselves and/or be responsible for younger siblings from a very young age.

Maybe since the McCanns thing it has become much more highlighted!

AC