Home Alone

[mikefrank]

Does legislation exist regarding a minimum age at which a child may be left in his/her own home alone?

[wee-janine]

I hope this helps.
4. Is it against the law to leave children unattended at home?

No, it's not against the law to leave a child unattended at any age but it is against the law to leave children in circumstances that put them in any kind of danger. So, for example, leaving a young child alone for several hours could place them in physical danger and emotional harm through loneliness and fear. Someone under 18 is legally a child and though you can leave children younger than that alone, you must be sure that they can cope adequately and that you have guarded against all possible risks. Young children should never be left alone.

[Curryfarty]

There is no law about the age, but if anything happens to a child left alone, or left babysitting, under the age of 16, then you are liable for prosecution. All children have varying degrees of maturity and this needs to be taken into consideration when making your decision. Also, popping to the shops is a world of difference than going to the pub. You know your children better than anyone, but choose wisely, as they are your greatest asset and need looking after.

[Jenarry]

my friend has two boys and she was so looking forward to the older one reaching his 16th birthday because i think legally she could leave him in charge of the 13 year old.(this was bit worrying cos the 13yr old acted so much more mature than the 16yr old and neither were v well behaved!!)

[mikefrank]

Thanks for the responses.

Mikefrank

[Herky]

Thanks - this helps.

[mick1]

16 yrs old