Is is appropriate to ask a 13-14ish year old for directions from the street?

I have asked a 14 yr old for directions to a hospital when I was in another city and he gave me good directions. I was not up to nothing no good, so I did not see the harm. But I also how other people would want you to mindful of those pervs and freaks who are. You sound intelligent enough to know what to do, but if you ever feel threatened, I say ignore the person or just say you don't know and keep doing what you were doing as if they were never there. But I do like to remind kids to always be aware of their surroundings and try to remember something distinct about strangers when they are approached. You never know when that knowledge may come in handy.