It’s difficult to pinpoint when the Aussie bloke went from being part of the scenery at parks, beaches and playgrounds and became a figure of dread and suspicion.

The comforting hug, a hand held at the water’s edge, a tickle fight on the grass - when they involve a child and man - have become acts viewed with hostility by many.

Illustration: michaelmucci.com

Thirty years ago a guy could innocently state he loved children and not draws hooded looks from strangers, he could certainly snap a picture of his kid at a council swimming pool and not be accused of perfidy.

Somewhere, somehow this all changed and today, when it comes to men and children, we are often viewed as the terrorist living next door, the suspect who sleeps down the hall. In the court of public opinion this "pervert presumption" 'means men are creeps until proven innocent.