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What is the legal age to leave your children?


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Posted

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.

Posted

From the NSPCC website:

 

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?

Posted

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.

Posted

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.

Posted

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

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