I am trying to find out what UK law says about leaving a child age 10 home alone. thanks?

Question

I am trying to find out what UK law says about leaving a child age 10 home alone. At what age is it ok to leave a minor at home thanks

Answer 1

minimum age is 14.

Answer 2

There is no legal minimum age. From a legal viewpoint, the issue is whether you are putting the child at risk. But I would suggest you consider also whether you are putting your own economic assets at risk.

Ask yourself what could happen while you are out that your child might not know how to deal appropriately with.

Basically, it's not a great idea to leave anyone in charge of anything unless they have both a responsible attitude and the experience and skill to deal effectively with whatever might happen.

I'm not sure I'd leave my home in charge of an 20 year-old let alone a 10 year old!

Take a look at:

http://www.nspcc.org.uk/HelpAndAdvice/Parentsandcarers/HomeAlone/homealone_wda35965.html

Answer 3

No, too young. I don't think there is a legal age, though I had an idea it was 14 until I checked, but 10 is definitely too young. Build up gradually once the child is about 14, short periods during the day, but never alone overnight or more than a few hours when he has a contact no. for you.

Answer 4

I don't know the exact law but i would say that 10 years is way too young, i would not leave anyone under the age of 16 and then i still wouldn't be far away.

Answer 5

I believe there are lots of fatocrs involved...
I looked at the NSPCC adivice and it says there is no law about the age but maturity and how long comes into it.

please read the advice in this link:
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/HelpAndAdvice/Parentsandcarers/HomeAlone/homealone_wda35965.html

In my opinioin:
Secondary school age perhaps would be fine for a few hours..i.e. from them coming home from school until you got home to give them tea...depending on thier maturity.
I would definately inform a relative or a reliable person who would not be too far away and make sure they could contact that person or you if they needed to. i have a good neighbour that is in all day and I know when it came to it she would be happy to be at hand if needed...

Would not leave them over night or generally after dark...
or leave them in charge of a younger child...
Good luck!

Answer 6

There is no legal age limit for leaving a child on their own, but it is an offence to leave a child alone if it places them at risk. Parents can be prosecuted for neglect if they leave a child unsupervised ‘in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health’ (Children and Young Person’s Act).

Answer 7

There isn't a legal stipulated age, just guidelines

Personally, I would never leave a 10 year-old alone, not even for a short while

Answer 8

my friend was reported for leaving her 13 year old daughter at home alone whilst she went to work and her daughter is very mature and ground rules were put into place like no mates in ,no answering phone or door. yet social services got involved and she was told it is illegal intill the child is 16.

Answer 9

you cant leave a 10 year old home alone and why would you want to

Answer 10

Yes it used to be 14 unless they have upped the age.

Answer 11

I know you have to be fourteen to babysit, but I think it may also depend on how mature your 10 year old is. I would be interested in know the answer to this as I have a boy who is coming up to 10. He hates going places with me, but i think he would panic if i left him.