The NSPCC made more than 200 referrals to the authorities last year after calls reporting children being left home alone
The issue of when a child can safely be left at home by themselves is a divisive one.
There’s also no clear legal standpoint on it with the issue of when a young person is ready to be left at home unaccompanied ultimately being a judgement call for individual parents and their kids.
While UK law doesn’t actually stipulate a specific age when you can leave a child unattended it does make clear that it constitutes an offence to leave a child alone “if it places them at risk”. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter.
Now the NSPCC has said it made 202 referrals to Welsh agencies, including the police and children’s services, following contacts to its helpline about children being left home alone or unsupervised last year.
Such referrals are made if charity staff believe additional support or intervnetion is needed.
The NSPCC suggests children under 12 are “rarely mature enough” to be left unaccompanied for extended periods and states children under 16 shouldn’t be left alone overnight.
The charity emphasises that babies, toddlers, and very young children should “never” be left unattended.
A charity spokesman said: “There is no legal age limit for leaving children but the NSPCC recommends not leaving a child aged under 12 years old at home alone. Also, if a child has expressed worries about being left without a parent or carer, those should be taken seriously and respected.”
Bearing this in mind parents and guardians are encouraged to exercise their finest judgement when determining whether their child is sufficiently mature to be left unaccompanied, for instance at home or in the vehicle, and to avoid leaving them alone until they’re entirely confident their child is prepared for such independence – particularly if they’ll be looking after other children or animals while their parent or guardian is absent.
While the UK Government doesn’t stipulate a specific age or criteria for when a child can be left unattended it does provide legal guidance and endorses NSPCC recommendations.
The UK Government website notes: “Parents can be prosecuted if they leave a child unsupervised ‘in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health’.”
The NSPCC stresses a ‘one-size fits all’ approach doesn’t work for the matter of children being left home unaccompanied as every child develops differently.
The NSPCC advice states: “Learning to be independent is an important part of growing up.
“Between work, appointments, and other family commitments every parent may need to leave their child home alone at some point so it’s good to have a plan in place.
“You might wonder what age your child should be before they can be left alone at home. But there’s no ‘one-size-fits all’ answer.
“Every child is different so build up their independence at their pace – and check in with them to make sure they feel safe.”
Their guidance continues: “A child who isn’t old enough or who doesn’t feel comfortable should never be left home alone. If this is the case it’s best to look into childcare options that might work for your family.”
The NSPCC goes on to specify that young children should never be left alone – even if their parent or guardian is just popping out briefly.
“Infants and young children aged nought to three years old should never be left alone – even for 15 minutes while you pop down the road. This applies not just to leaving them home alone but also in your car while you run into the shops,” the NSPCC says.
“While every child is different we wouldn’t recommend leaving a child under 12 years old home alone, particularly for longer periods of time.
“Children in primary school aged six to 12 are usually too young to walk home from school alone, babysit, or cook for themselves without adult supervision.
“If you need to leave them home it’s worth considering leaving them at a friend’s house, with family, or finding some suitable childcare.”
Providing advice to parents of secondary school-aged youngsters the NSPCC adds: “Once your child reaches this age you could talk to them about how they’d feel if they were left alone at home.
“Whether they’re 12 years old or almost 18 years old there might be reasons that they don’t feel safe in the house alone.
“Just because your child is older doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready to look after themselves or know what to do in an emergency.
“It can help to go over the ground rules and remind them how to stay safe at home.
“Remember – you should never leave a child home alone if they don’t feel ready or if you don’t feel they’re ready.
“Sometimes it’s just better to leave them with someone – particularly if they’re nervous or have complex needs.”
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