what age can a child be left alone?

Question

what age can my daughter be left home alone for 10 mins? My daughter is 12 and in september she will be in her 2nd year of secondary school, i need to collect my son from school and the times over lap, if she walks home and lets her self in with her key is this allowed? Not sure if i need to find someone to look after her for 10 mins. She is sensable and i know all she will do is lay on the settee watching tracy beaker! Thanks for your time.

Answer 1

My little brother is left on his own sometimes and walks home from the bus. He is ten.

Not sure about the legal ramifications though but morally I think it is ok and safe.

Answer 2

There was concerns over this recently.Parents worried after a high profile case of kids being left alone on holiday.You know the one.
Anyway, it seems there is no law dictating in the UK to what age a child can be left for.
I like to be home when my kids in from school, but it's not always possible for others.
If you feel uneasy leaving your daughter, why not find out if there is an after school club she could stay at? That way you could collect your son 1st, then her.Or, does she have a good friend that has parents that could collect them together close by, and you could call back and get her later?

What might be 10 minutes difference to you one day, could easily extend to 15 etc.Too much can happen in that time.
There are so many nutters about these days, I'd be worried about someone knowing her movements, and knowing she lets herself in.

Answer 3

First off, it is perfectly acceptable to leave your child long enough to pick up your son. I would suggest that you wean her into it though. Get with your daughter and set rules. Ask her questions about what she would do if a stranger comes to the door, what about a stranger on the phone wanting her parent? Once you feel comfortable that she knows what to do then you may leave her for 10-15 at a time until she is comfortable with it. Then you can gradually build up to it.
My youngest daughter is 8 and I leave her for about 30 minutes at a time on occasion getting her ready for the school year when she will be at home for about an hour before I get home. I work approximately 5 minutes from home. The thing you need to remember is that you are not a bad mother just because you can't clone yourself and be everywhere at once. It is okay. Children need a little freedom and experience before we let them out into the world. They need to know they can trust themselves to make good decisions. Good Job, Mom. God Bless.

Answer 4

I think that 12 is a very easonable age to be left alone for ten minutes. I was left home alone for about an 1/2 hour at a time at the age of 9 or 10, but I was very responsible for my age. If you trust her then let her stay home. It could help to tell a neighbor you trust that she is home by herself just in case.

Answer 5

It all depends on the maturity of the child. When my son was 12 he wanted to sit in the car while I went in the store. An officer just so happened to be near so I asked if it was ok. He said there was no set age, but to ask myself how would I feel if something happened to him, would I ever forgive myself. Well he's only 13 now and stays home for 3 hours until I get off work. For the most part I feel he's safe, but on days I get a funny feeling I make other arraingements. Hopes this helps.

Answer 6

Also depends on your neighborhood, in the middle of the city, I would say NO( unless you have a stay at home next door neighbor that could make sure she gets in safely!)..but if you are in a safe suburban neighborhood a few minutes alone would be fine..My big fear is when someone sees a young girl using a key to let herself in, she needs to have a plan, and be taught not to open the door at all, and if someone seems to be outside to call 911..

Answer 7

She is safe once she is home. The concern I would have is her walking home alone. Child abductions are occurring when children are walking to or from school alone. Is there a child in the neighborhood that attends the same school? Perhaps his or her parent can give her a ride home for a modest fee for gas? Or the two of them can walk home together. Is your daughter street wise about the dangers? I would be sure she knows how to respond to an abduction attempt at the very least.

Answer 8

Twelve always used to be the OK age (my daughter now 47) unless something went wrong! There would be harsh questions asked if a child of 12 left alone was involved in a house fire, for example. At that age, my father was an apprentice butcher!
My neighbour needed to work (single Mum) when her daughter was 12 and I "kept an eye" out - it was understood that if the kid had a problem she could always come to me.

Answer 9

When I was little this was normal.
I don't know of any ruling to dictate that, I think it's up to you but you are of course responsible for her.
Depends where you live, do you know the neighbours? could she go to a neighbours house? can she walk home with a friend?
If you're going to, give her a mobile so she can call you.
Also give her a talk about awareness of her environment so she's got her eyes open and would know if something was out of the ordinary and potentailly dangerous. eg if she was being followed, etc - make sure she knows what to do in all sorts of situations.

Answer 10

check with your school system but I was a latch key kid at 10 (back in the 80s that was the age) here on the base i live on its 12 for up to 3 hrs alone i think.

Answer 11

Agree with the others yes she should be fine as she is sensible enough,just let her know not to open the door or answer the phone and if she has a mobile just make sure she has it along side her and you can ring her yourself when your waiting for your boy.Dont worry she should be ok like girls are much more sensible then boys sometimes eh!!