I suppose with the increase in the accessibility of 'photography', many more people are taking many more pictures of many more things. Including kids. In the early 90s, I and other student mates would regularly attend political demos, and take pics of all sorts of people, including kids. Most people didn't bat an eyelid, as you kind of 'consent' to being recorded in some way, if you're at a public demonstration. Goes with the activity. Media hysteria over 'peados' has led to increased public paranoia, which lead to parents being less comfortable with strangers taking photos of their kids etc. I really don't think peadophillia has increased though. Surely far more public scrutiny and understand means it's hopefully lower now? Regardless; those who are so concerned about someone overtly using a camera to record a scene, would be mindful to remember that there are increasingly fiendish ways to record images covertly, not to mention CCTV everywhere. And despite the best efforts of that disgusting old MP, 'upskirting' is now a criminal offence (thanks in no small part to the efforts of a brave victim of this disgusting abuse of the individual). I was confronted by an angry mum at a public event where loads of kids were playing (I asked any parents I saw for their permission before photographing their kids, most were fine, some asked polite questions which I answered), who tried insinuating I was some kind of pervert. This made me really angry; who the hell is she to assume anything? But there has to be a balance between the right to record facts, and sensitivity towards others. Personally, I don't feel things are going to get easier for photographers, sadly.