In the UK (I think this is the UK) there are so many rules being broken by unlicensed and uninsured kids under the age to drive, on untaxed and un-MoT'd vehicles that do not meet construction and use regulations, being driven in public (usually without the legally required crash helmets) but where there is no right of way (or no appropriate right of way) that typical examples would nearly fill a policeman's notebook.

Why on earth do parents permit and even encourage this sort of stuff?

My sympathy is for the innocent road users who have likely suffered both physical and mental damage because a 6 year old was doing such a stupid thing. And, frankly, if that sounds callous, maybe that is not such a bad thing. Children need to learn not to play with fire, and to obey rules.