I remember not that long ago with reserved flight seating when males traveling alone were not seated next to females or children unless it was necessary to fully book the flight.
So this crap or a form of it is, and in some instances such as international flights, still going on. Men are perceived of as potential rapists and treated accordingly. They just don’t publicize the fact.
If you think guys traveling on business WANT to be next to a child, you haven’t traveled much on business. Although I suppose it is better than being next to a grossly obese person of any gender.