My son is 11 years old and we live on a dead end street in a safe neighborhood. He would be home by himself for about 1/2 hour in the AM and 2 1/2 hrs after school. There are some retired people on our street who are home most of the time and we live right across the street from a teacher at his new school. I know he's mature enough and I know he'll be safe, I'm just wondering if I could get into any trouble or if he's too young by law. (He'll be 12 in December)
2006-08-02 04:08:13 · 7 answers · asked by carrie love 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
I live in Ohio and I was told that it is a matter of maturity not age. In fact, a police officer friend of mine, said that he talked to an 11 year old kid who was home alone once, and said the kid was mature enough to be left alone. I honestly, don't think there is an age set. Please check proper authorities to be sure. I mean, I hired a 12 year old babysitter once for a few hours. She even took classes at the Y and you had to be 11.
2006-08-02 05:36:18 · answer #1 · answered by Quinn 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the area.
" At what age can a child be left at home? How long can a child be left alone?
When determining the appropriateness of leaving an older child alone, there are many factors to consider:
1. the child’s age and maturity,
2. responsibilities expected of the child,
3. the child’s knowledge of safety techniques,
4. the length of time and the time of day the child is left alone,
5. the proximity and accessibility of trustedadults.
The important question to ask is, "Does the situation place the child at risk of harm?" If you are unsure, err on the side of safety."http://www.jcdjfs.com/cgi-bin/template.pl?faq.pl=children
2006-08-02 04:16:12 · answer #2 · answered by Sancira 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't live in Ohio, but I know your best source of facts would be to call DHS or whatever child protective services you have there. They are the "experts". I know people think that levels of maturity have everything to do with it, but they don't. It's all about the law. If he's hurt or anything while you've left him home alone and it's too young for your area, you could lose your son or go to jail. Please check the agency in your area to find out for sure and get the FACTS!!
2006-08-02 09:17:17 · answer #3 · answered by HEartstrinGs 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think this would be a problem for your son, just make sure he knows what to do in an emergeny (address, how to reach you, etc.) and don't allow him to use the oven while you aren't there. Also, find a responsible neighbor who would keep a copy of your house key incase he couldn't find his own. And maybe this would also be a good time for him to get a cell phone just incase he does lose his key and needs to call you, or the neighbor with the key. If you don't feel comfortable leaving a key with the neighbors, find a good hiding spot somewhere around the house, under a specific rock, in the back shed...
2006-08-02 09:15:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can leave a child home alone in Ohio at the age of 14 - most states it's 13 but Ohio, I guess, didn't like the lower age.
btw - that's just the legal age. I think if you ask the people nearby to keep an eye on him, he should be fine - but then I don't know your son.
2006-08-02 04:12:30 · answer #5 · answered by Lex 7 · 1⤊ 4⤋
In Ca. you can't leave a child alone unless they are over the age of 17.
2006-08-02 05:31:23 · answer #6 · answered by LITTLE 1 :o) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is unknown in Ohio, so I would put it by maturity.
2014-08-03 16:02:06 · answer #7 · answered by Chef 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋