in america and australia
2007-03-09 17:33:00 · 17 answers · asked by Spy W 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I would say that really depends on the person.
A better question is, do you trust your 14.5 year old to be alone for 4 days? If the answer isn't an easy yes, then the answer is no.
Location also makes a big difference. If you are in a small rural area, where you know and trust your neighbors, it may be good. If you are in an inner city, apartment, even suburbs, etc, where you don't know your neighbors, I would not risk it.
Safety is vastly more important than someones feelings.
50 years ago, we would not have thought twice about leaving a 14 year old alone for a week, times have changed a lot since then.
Edit: A 14 year old is more than capable of caring for themselves, it is neighbors, friends, ect that are the greatest risk in an unsupervised situation of that length.
2007-03-09 17:41:50 · answer #1 · answered by Akuji 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely too young. In Maryland and Illinois the law states that children younger than 13 may never be home alone, not even for short periods of time. Most states recommend children under 12 not be left alone. I have no idea about the laws in Australia.
Most smart parents would not trust a 14 year old to be left alone for such a long amount of time. No matter how mature they are, 14 year olds are still immature and in experienced. I would hessitate to leave a 16 year old alone for a very long period of time. Probably no more than overnight and only then in an extreme circumstance.
2007-03-10 01:46:50 · answer #2 · answered by Boycott EliteXC 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the child and their level of maturity. Personally I wouldn't leave a 14 year old home alone for 4 days without some type of previous stay at home alone experiences and a competent, trusted adult to look in on them during the time.
As a first time stay at home? Probably not.
2007-03-10 02:04:28 · answer #3 · answered by dude0795 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some communities have laws governing how old a child must be if left home alone. Sometimes, the age limits differ depending on whether the child is alone in daytime or at night, and may be based on the length of time the child is alone. Other jurisdictions do not define an age limit, but instead consider the maturity of the child. Contact your local law enforcement agency or child welfare department to see whether your community has such laws.
2007-03-10 01:47:47 · answer #4 · answered by greymatter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you the 14yr old in question, looking for reinforcement against your folks? It would depend on the maturity of the child as well as how closely they stick to their parents rules. Some I've known and come across, no, for many others a big yes. If you are 14, then know, because your parents obviously feel you're not.
2007-03-10 01:45:35 · answer #5 · answered by Gentle Kara 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is this a serious question? I've been staying home alone since I was like 10
2007-03-10 01:43:23 · answer #6 · answered by brian 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no im 14 & i stayed home alone for a few days & i was fine
of course, my parents trusted me not to get into all the beer we have & they knew i wouldnt invite anyone over
so it just depends on what your parents say
2007-03-10 01:54:05 · answer #7 · answered by cocopuffs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In America I would bet the answer is yes - you're too young.
2007-03-10 02:22:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i guess it depends how mature and stuff you are. but im 14 and i know i wouldnt WANT to stay home for 4 days by myself.
2007-03-10 01:37:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is. 14 is very young. I would wait till ATLEAST 16!!!
2007-03-10 01:35:55 · answer #10 · answered by girlofyourdreams_6905 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋