One way to divide a person’s life is between Innocence and Experience.
It is tough for kids to hang on to their innocence these days. They are bombarded by tv, commercials, advertising, computers and smartphones from the get-go to say nothing of being exposed to all kinds of dangers in and out of homes from their parents and others. The world of Experience is very large, encroaching, and menacing.
No question life was simpler in Blake’s time though kids were not recognized as a distinct group–children–with some inherent privileges and rights till later on, and were exploited–especially poor kids–during the Industrial Revolution.
Every kid is entitled to Innocence and to being sheltered from the Big Bad World of (Adult) Experience as long as possible. For as we know, once innocence is lost or changed, it can never be the same or recovered.
Innocence is a special, sacred time and all kids should be allowed to enjoy and explore it as much as possible. Government, parents and K-elementary teachers need to pay special care in looking out for kids.