What is the legal age to leave your children?

foxforcefive · 13-03-2008, 12:18

My daughter is 12 next month and has been begging me to let her stay at home for an hour and a half tonight, while I take my youngest to his school disco (parents have to stay at disco with Infants).

Although I have left her alone for 10-15 mins while I've nipped to the shop, and I feel she is responsible enough, the fact that it's dark evenings worries me a bit (although I would allow her to turn on the lights).

I was wondering how the law stood on this, or if it does, any help would be much appreciated.

Weathergirl · 13-03-2008, 12:20

I think it's something like 12/13?

*Wallace* · 13-03-2008, 12:21

Could be wrong but i think it's 14,hard one though as some kids are more grown up than others and if anything went wrong you would blame yourself for ever.

Jessica23 · 13-03-2008, 12:22

From the NSPCC website:

Quote:

What the law says

The law does not set a minimum age at which children can be left alone. However, it is an offence to leave a child alone when doing so puts him or her at risk.

How do you decide if you can safely leave a child alone?

There are many important things to consider before you decide to leave a child alone. These include:

*
the age of the child
*
the child's level of maturity and understanding
*
the place where child will be left
*
how long the child will be left alone, and how often
*
whether or not there are any other children alone with the child.

For example, most parents would think it's OK to leave a 16-year-old alone for the evening, but to leave them for a week would be unacceptable.

Many young children play outdoors with other children without supervision but most people would agree that this is an important part of growing up.

You are the best judge of your child's level of maturity and responsibility.

So I guess it's up to you.

How mature is your daughter?

pk014b7161 · 13-03-2008, 12:22

i dont think there is a legal age as such

lee79 · 13-03-2008, 12:23

There is no minimum age set by law. However, they most not be left alone where doing so leaves them at risk, as that is an offence.

EDIT: Was just going to supply the same link as Jessica, but was beat to it.

lyndix · 13-03-2008, 12:23

I don`t think there is a legal age to be left at home is there?

Weathergirl · 13-03-2008, 12:25

Is there a legal age at which child can be left at home alone?

There is no legal age telling you when it is OK to leave a child alone at home. It would be very difficult to make a ruling that would be helpful for every type of home and each situation. Children of the same age can also vary hugely in their ability to assess risks and to cope with responsibility.

Most children over about 10 years old can usually be safely left alone for short periods if there is no alternative. If you do need to leave a young child alone make sure you have talked to them about possible dangers in the home and about how to get help if they need it. Children of this age should never be asked to supervise younger children or babies when in the house alone.

neeeeeeeeeek · 13-03-2008, 12:25

I used to walk home from school to an empty house when I was around that age and I am still alive!

foxforcefive · 13-03-2008, 12:26

She is pretty mature, but I suppose you never know what could happen. It could be the day that the electrics decide to fail, or the ceiling falls in, I think I'll just drag her to the disco kicking and screaming. Thanks for you responses guys.x

cressida · 13-03-2008, 12:33

What is the youngest age a child can babysit others I thought it was fourteen but not certain

foxforcefive · 13-03-2008, 12:34

Yeah I think you're right, I used to babysit at 14.

discodown · 13-03-2008, 12:51

There has to come a point where you trust her. Its only for an hour and a half and i'm sure you have a mobile. Give her a chance

foxforcefive · 13-03-2008, 12:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by discodown

There has to come a point where you trust her. Its only for an hour and a half and i'm sure you have a mobile. Give her a chance

It's not her that I don't trust , Oh, I don't know what it is, I was just wondering if anyone else had left their kids at this age.

teddie · 13-03-2008, 12:58

3 if your last name is McCann

cgksheff · 13-03-2008, 13:03

You can only use your own judgement.

I do have to wonder about the "begging" bit.
Begging not to have to go to the disco? or begging to be allowed to stay alone?

rachelg · 13-03-2008, 13:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by cressida

What is the youngest age a child can babysit others I thought it was fourteen but not certain

I would have thought that the answer is the same as that for the original question - there is no "legal age" that you can let them babysit.
You are not only leaving them alone but in charge of other kids - so all the stuff from the NSPCC link above - should apply but with knobs on!! (ie they need to be even more mature etc)

foxforcefive · 13-03-2008, 13:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgksheff

You can only use your own judgement.

I do have to wonder about the "begging" bit.
Begging not to have to go to the disco? or begging to be allowed to stay alone?

I was actually exaggerating the begging, she initially asked if she could stay at nan-nans but she's out so she asked if she could stay at home.

I'm wondering why you ask this question, are you insinuating that my perfect daughter would want to be left in the house so she can get up to mischief?

Tanya89 · 13-03-2008, 13:22

I was left at home on my own at 12, but I've always been very responsible. I was also left to look after my 3 brothers and sister at the age of 12. I'm pretty sure that the legal age you can leave a child on there own is 12, and that a 12 year old can babysit for family but no anybody else. At 14 you can babysit anybody. Hope this helps.

Tanya89 · 13-03-2008, 13:24

All children get up to mischief, they're not perfect.