What is the legal age now that you can leave a child at home for a couple of hours on there own?

Question

Im asking about the law in the uk because my niece is only 11 and stays at home on her own sometimes and im not to happy about it

Answer 1

I think in the uk it is 14. My son is 13 and I wouldn't be happy about leaving him on his own for a couple of hours.

Answer 2

The legal age in the UK for a child to be left on their own is 16 and I only found this out when I went on a child protection course, under 15 you could end up being reported so you need to tell this person to be very careful.

Answer 3

I think it depends on how callous you are or how caring. They never asked to be born, but they do expect to feel safe and secure. This is something every person should discuss before they have children. If you need a night out, then get a relative or someone (adult) reliable to babysit them, or don't bother having children if they may become an inconvenience. You cannot guarantee that nothing would happen within 5 mins of them being left on their own, kids are kids, I wouldn't leave a kiddy to fend for himself whilst I went out for pleasure. I reckon conscience is a good judge of what is the right thing to do, it's far better than a lifetime of regret for doing the wrong thing.

Answer 4

14

Answer 5

Home alone rules vary from state to state. Here is what I found on the internet
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United States
http://www.nccic.acf.hhs.gov/poptopics/homealone.html
Most States do not have regulations or laws about when a child is considered old enough to care for him/herself or to care for other children. Currently Illinois and Maryland have laws addressing this topic. States may have guidelines or recommendations. These guidelines are most often distributed through child protective services and are administered at the county level.
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Canada
http://www.safety-council.org/info/child/alone.html
The age at which children can legally be left at home alone for short periods of time varies from province to province, from 10 to 12 years. However, a 1999 report commissioned by Health Canada found that parents request "home alone" courses for children as young as grade three
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UK
http://www.nspcc.org.uk/HelpAndAdvice/Parentsandcarers/HomeAlone/homealone_wda35965.html
The law does not set a minimum age at which children can be left alone. However, it is an offence to leave a child alone when doing so puts him or her at risk.
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Australia
Same thing- No set age limit.

What does the law say in Australia?
http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/home_alone_-_cyh.html
There is no actual law that states at what age children can or cannot be left alone, but the law is clear about the responsibility of parents to look after their children.

In many cultures it is usual for children to care for brothers and sisters.

While different societies have different customs, in Australia there is a legal obligation for parents to make sure that their children are properly looked after.

Parents are expected to provide food, clothing, a place to live, safety and supervision.

Parents can be charged with an offence if children are left in a dangerous situation and are not fed, clothed or provided with accommodation (in South Australia this is part of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act).

The police or Children, Youth and Family Services (part of the Department of Health in South Australia) can remove children from situations where their safety is in serious danger and there is no guardian present (Children's Protection Act, South Australia).
Can parents leave older children in charge?

When a child or person under the age of 18 years (for example, an older brother, sister or teenage friend) cares for children, the question of negligence or liability could arise. You as a parent may be held responsible for the carer as well as your own children if something goes wrong. For these reasons it is better that carers should be adults. A person who is still legally a child would not be judged against the standards of responsibility expected of adults.

Answer 6

There isn't any statutory age. Many eleven year olds are able not only to cope on their own, but look after younger siblings. Only if the child is particularly vulnerable for any reason would Social Services wish to take action.

Answer 7

I don't know about UK but it is the kid need to be 13 and older with no mental problems. i don't think it would be very different from the U.S. what ever the law is i won't let my kid stay at home at 11.

Answer 8

Well it dosen't matter what is the legal age its bout is it ok with the child 2 stay at home on there own

Answer 9

Usually 12. Depends on the state.

Answer 10

Reluctantly 21!