This stuff isn’t nearly as common or prevalent as you might be led to believe by the news, especially certain US news sources. I lived there for several years, my wife had a baby there, and I have traveled extensively throughout the country with several young kids in tow, including to many places that few Americans visit — and I never experienced any of those things, nor have I ever felt threatened or unsafe. I have nothing but great things to say about Mexico.

I recognize that there are legitimate security issues there, compared to the US or Western Europe, but nothing that common sense and a few basic precautions won’t address, assuming you aren’t involved in drugs, gangs, or law enforcement.