do kids defer to grown ups like that any more
try walking on the footpath (sidewalk) approaching a gaggle of kids!

I walk against the wall/hedge and that way they have to find their own methodology. They seem unable to walk in single file. Having said that it is not always yoof wot seem unable to talk to the back of their friend's head - or suspend conversation for 2 seconds.

As with driving standards: people get fed up of deferring to people who don't. I think this is in the same bag called "The Tragedy of the Commons".