How old does a child have to be to be left home alone in charge of a younger one?

Question

the younger child is 12 and the older one is 14. we are in uk incase it makes a difference

does anyone know if there is a law where this is concerned thanks

Answer 1

I checked this out a few years ago at my local police station and was advised that it is not seen as ok for shildren under 12 If you feel a child is old enough at 13/14 to look after siblings then it is at your discretion. It also depends on how long you are leaving them for and how far away you will be if they need you!!!! From personal experience, start with a quick nip to the shop, then extend the time slowly so the know you trust them.

Answer 2

As far as I am aware there is no law that states an actual age for a child to be left alone, what it does state is that a child cannot be left where they may be exposed to danger or come to any undue harm.
For instance if a child was left alone and started a fire the parents would be prosecuted for leaving them home alone. Same goes if they let in a stranger or were unable to cope with a younger child's accident ie if a younger child chocked on a crisp, and the older child did not know what do do or made it worse, again it would be the parents who would take the responsibility.
When you start to think about it there are a million dangers they could be exposed to - some exactly the same as if you were at home with them - but it could be seem that it happened or at least the after effects were deemed as neglect

Answer 3

14

Answer 4

I was left to look after my brothers at about 14, but one of them was only a year younger so it wasn't such a big deal for me. It really depends on the maturity of your older child, it's not something that you can really put an 'age' on if you know what I mean. The only thing I would suggest is that put certain things out of their reach (if not already); lighters, matches, alcohol, medicines, knives. This might sound extreme but you'd be amazed at what kids get upto when their parents are not around (or when parents are asleep upstairs even!); they think they're invincible, and this is when many accidents happen.

As much as you just have to trust your intincts and judgement, you also have to trust your children. If they think they are mature enough to be left home alone then this might be the opportunity to let them prove this to you. If you do try this, make sure they have your phone number or the number of someone close by for safety.

Answer 5

12 or 13

Answer 6

16

Answer 7

16

Answer 8

It really depends on how long you are gone for, but generally, if you are not going to be gone for long, your can trust your oldest child to be responsible at around the age of 9. The best thing to do is to test your kids. Go out for a little while the first time. If you come back, and all hell hasnt broken loose, then you are probably good, for a few hours. Thats around the age that I was trusted alone at home.

Answer 9

I'm not sure, but if you wanted a babysitter you would have to find somebody who was at least 14, I suppose though that if you are leaving your own children it's up to your instincts and if you think that your child is responsible enough to be responsible for a younger child, and of course weather or not it's fair to put that responsibility on your child.

Answer 10

i was left at 13 definately although i may have been left younger. but it also depends on how old the other person is. i only was allowed to look after my younger brother of 9 at the age of 14, but it also helped that i didnt really get into trouble a lot and my parents trusted me. xx