At what age can you legally leave a child unattended at home?

Question

My son is in Year 6 - about to go into Year 7 in September. I want to know if he can legally come home (as we live just round the corner from the school) and let himself in on the days I work. He would be alone for about 2 hours

Answer 1

12 if you leave a contact number and he/she is alone in house. ie no other kids
14 they can look after siblings legally but noone elses children
16 on their own and other children

Answer 2

You would be leaving yourself open to all forms of action against you! Although there is no pre-determined 'set age' as stated above, if anything were to happen to your son, or God forbid, he did something himself by accident - you could safely assure yourself that you would be crucified by the public and by the law!

Unfortunately, accidents do happen and you have to ask yourself, is it worth the risk! Despite how you may feel and how much you drum safety into your child there is always the possibility that he may forget - he is a child and the young do not always see or understand the dangers in front of them, whether they are 6 or 10 or 11.

For example, and not wishing to frighten you but, what would happen and how would you feel, if you left him alone whilst at work and someone knocked at the door and he let them in or they barged past him! You know where I'm going with this and I'm sure I don't need to make it anymore clear - there are a lot of sicko's out there!

Or, if a friend came to call and asked him out to play or whatever. So, he goes and forgets to shut your front door...you come home and the house has been burgled.

It's all about common sense and that is what the 'legal brigade' look at! Sure he could be totally fine and nothing would ever happen but you never know!

This is where all the discrepancies come into things - at age 9 they are considered in law to be able to accept adult laws and responsibilities and consequences of knowing right from wrong BUT, they are not classed as adult until 16!

You know what the solution is and in reality it doesn't involve leaving him alone at home!

Answer 3

Generally age 12 is considered to be the appropriate "home alone" stage. There is a big emotional difference in leaving him alone when you're just out to run errands, and having him walk home, come in, unlock the house, and be there by himself in an empty house. I think it depends upon whether your son WANTS to do this or not. Some kids are OK with it and never think twice.

Can you work it out where he tries it for a few times but you get home after only 30 minutes or so, then a little longer each time?

You need to be sure to set rules before you start - no friends, no stop, lock immediately, call immediately when you walk in the door - or whatever you want to enforce.

Answer 4

Legally, in Indiana, once a child is school age there is no Law about leaving your child home alone but on the other hand, if CPS shows up at your door, your child must know how to get a hold of you or another responsible adult. In addition does your child know what to do in case of emergency or what would happen if he hurt himself and there was no one there to help him. Is there a neighbor home? Personally, I would never leave a child that age home completely alone, if they had an old sib. Try checking in your neighborhood for another parent that is home, that would mind allowing your child to spent time there for a couple of hours. Or if you have a Boy and Girls Club ior an after school club n the area, that is an inexpensive place for your child to go as well. Also keep in mind, even with older children..the number one time for children to have sex(and it start early) is between the time school gets out and parents get home. So if you start a habit now, what are you going to say when he or she gets older..you can't stay home alone because I don't trust you?

Answer 5

Some people are a bit confused...

Year 6 = ages 10/11
Year 7 = ages 11/12

Obviously the people that are confused and answering this question do not have children at school So, are they qualified to give an answer?

I leave my 10 year old (year 6) at home on her own, but only occassionally and never for very long. She can always get hold of me, and I'm never far away.

Excellent link in first answer to NSPCC website.

Answer 6

My daughter is also in year 6 and i do leave her home for a few hours if the need arises . i think it has to go on maturity of your child .My daughter has my mobile number on speed dial on her phone also she is not to answer the door or even the phone. Also she is not allowed to cook anything and knows what to do should an emergency arise ie fire etc.I have allowed her to do this for a few hours like I said when needed since she was in year 5. How times have changed I was a latch key kid at 8 and never came to any harm. I would do some trail runs with him and see how it goes .

Answer 7

You should use common sense and leave him in an after school program or have him go home with a friend until you can pick him up. Why risk your son's safety just because you don't want to spend an extra $50 a week to give him a safe place to stay?

Answer 8

That's fine. I was left alone then. I think the legal age is 12 though. But you can leave a seven year old alone if they wont cause any trouble and are mature enough to handle that.

Answer 9

As others have said, there is no legal age as such. It really depends on the maturity of your child amongst other things.
It may help to know that if you are in receipt of tax credits, they will pay for childcare up to the end of year 7 so therefore UK Government obviously feels that it is not needed after that point.

Answer 10

You should check with your local family services department. Laws regarding this vary widely from state to state. Another option would be an after school club like Boys and Girls Club. The would provide a safe place for him to go until you are off of work.

Answer 11

That's way too young maybe 13 if the child is mature. If you must leave him at home by himself have a neighbor check on him at least every 30min