How old should a child be before they go out alone?

Question

My son, who is 5 now, wants to walk around our neighborhood alone. I know he is too young now, but I was wondering what is a good age to start letting him do this.

Our neighborhood is ok, but criminals can go into any neighboor hood. I understand though that the worse the neighborhood the more criminals, but any thing could happen.

Answer 1

well my son is 9 and still dont go anywhere alone its to dangerous these days

Answer 2

doesn't that really depend on the neighborhood you live in. i didn't live in a very good neighborhood when i was growing up and i was not comfortable walking around in it by myself, nor was i allowed to. you're the parent, you tell him, not the other way around. only you can decide what is best. every kid wants to do everything they probably shouldn't. if you have to ask, then he probably shouldn't walk around by himself. he is 5 not 15. if i were to see a 5 year old walking around by himself i would expect something bad to happen. and i would also wonder who the kids parents are. i would say a good age is like 12. it doesn't really matter where you live, something can happen anywhere. you can shelter them, or you can let them run wild. but 5 years old is just rediculous to let them be alone. i guess when you are comfortable leaving them home alone, then they can walk around the neighborhood alone.

Answer 3

3

Answer 4

Hard to answer this question I want to say 13 but even at that age kids go missing if you were to allow him to wonder at 13 its best he goes with friends. Never let a child under 16 wonder by him or her self to many perv's these days just wanting for a young child to be by themselves. Your son wants independence to walk by him self if you were to go with him but give him distance like 5-10 feet he may feel more grown up but your still with in reach if something was to happen.

Answer 5

A lot depends upon where you live. Twelve to fourteen is usually when parents start trusting their children to do things alone.

If you are in the country and the child can swim, once they start the first grade as long as they'll come home at the time you tell them, I would think exploring would be fun for them. However, start with one hour at a time because you need to live through the experience also.

Answer 6

That's a decision that you have to make for yourself. There are alot of factors in it too. Do you live in an ok neighborhood? Are you able to see him from the house/yard? Do you have walkie talkie's (so he can talk to you if there is any trouble or to check in)?
Remember that there are bad people everywhere and you can't trust everyone around you.

Answer 7

I would say about 12 years old. Some of the worst child molestors hide in the "Good Neighborhoods".

Answer 8

My son is just now 15. We live in a good area, But i dont let him go far. I have to know where he will be and how long before he gets back. He can play with the neighbor kids but Im usually out with him.

He has a cell phone so I can keep in contact with him. If he rides his bike to a freiends house he calls and talks to me going both ways. He has a phone with bluetooth so its hands free.

Answer 9

It's a tough call. But, you will know when you are comfortable with the situation. It may take until he is 10, and some neighborhoods I would say never, but it's your call. You know you child, you know his behavior, you know your neighborhood. Trust your instincts. You will do the right thing.

Answer 10

That really depends on where you live and how comfortable you are with your neighborhood. I know that I went all over the place when I was 6 or 7. Good Luck and enjoy your little guy!

Answer 11

These are different times from when I grew up. I wouldn't let a 10 year old wander aimlessly around the hood alone. If he's going to see a friend, he should go directly there.
You should play 'what if' games when he's older, not to scare him, but to teach him.