Age to leave kids at home legally by themselves?

Answer 1

there isnt one it is determined by the ability of the child not the age

children can be left alone when they know how and are capable of handling emergency situations. ie fire, accident, power outage, etc

(that is what is legal in most states,regardless of age)

in fact leaving your children unattended isn't regulated most of the time the ONLY STATE in which you cannot leave a child in a car unattended is Nebraska and that only applies to children under 6 years of age (its a $100 ticket if you leave a child younger than 6 unattended in a car)


There are only two states (Illinois, 14 years & Maryland, 13 years) that have laws against leaving children at home. They do have guidelines in each state as to when a child can be left at home. It doesn't go by age, but capabilities of the child.

Children who are left alone must understand:

Their full name, telephone number, address.
How to call emergency services.
Potential household dangers and how to combat them. (If left alone they should know not to use the stove, how to use a fire extinguisher, etc.)
Stranger safety -- they must be trusted to never open the door for strangers.
Instructions on what to do in the event of an emergency.
Where you're going and when you'll be back.

Answer 2

12

Answer 3

In some states, it is 10, others 12. Really though it depends on the kid. Some are plenty mature to leave for a few hours at the age of 10, while some teenagers probably shouldn't be left on their own.

Answer 4

In Alaska it is 12, but I agree with some of the others that answered, it depends on the maturity of the child. I have seen 8 year olds be more responsible that a 12 year old, so I definitely believe it depends on the child's ability to care for himself in an emergency or just daily living as well as the law in your state.

Answer 5

There are different ages for different states, though the most common are between 12-14. In Missouri it is 14 and the maturity level of the child, the same age and maturity level is the law in this state for ones babysitter.

Answer 6

It depends what state. Many don't have an age but the child must be able to do certain things. No matter the age, the parent is still responsible for the safety.

Answer 7

It depends upon which state you're in. Also the maturity of the kids.

Years ago I knew a woman who got into trouble for leaving her mature 12 year old alone, so call one of your state agencies to make sure. I would imagine that laws regarding child care are more stringent now than they were 30 years ago.

Answer 8

11 and 12.

Answer 9

I believe it is 13 or 14 in Kansas....I think it's also a law that a child cannot legally have their own house key until they are like 13....weird law I know....but that's Kansas for ya..

Answer 10

here in Nevada it's 12. they actually just passed it not too long ago. if a child is found to be alone by themselves under the age of 12 the parents can be ticketed or arrested for child neglect.