Leaving kids home, alone

When is it safe to leave a child alone at home – and where does the law stand on this issue?

Latest figures supplied by the Child Accident Prevention Trust reveal that 900,000 accidents to children in the home are reported each year. The numbers may be falling but it's still alarmingly high.
 
Just over half of those accidents occur to children under the age of five. By far the most common injuries are as a result from falls.

So what advice should parents, grandparents and child carers follow when they are faced with deciding whether they can leave a child alone for a few minutes in order to 'nip round the corner' because they have run out of milk?

And at what age can an older child be left in charge of younger brothers and sisters? English law does not specify an age when a child can be left unsupervised. However, parents may be prosecuted for neglect if they leave a child alone "in a manner which is likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health" (Children and Young Persons Act, 1933).

The advice from children's charity NSPCC is that no child should be left alone under the age of twelve, or overnight under the age of sixteen. Most eight to thirteen year-olds, even if they feel happy about being left, may not be ready to cope in an emergency.

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Leaving a sleeping baby or child alone in the home is not recommended either – it takes just a second for an unsupervised youngster or baby to injure themselves.

The NSPCC recommends that parents should take into account the following factors when weighing up if it is safe to leave a 13-16 year-old on their own: 
•    The age of the child
•    The child's level of maturity and understanding; 
•    The place where child will be left;
•    How long the child will be left alone;
•    Whether or not there are any other children in the household.

If you do decide to leave a child of 13-16 home alone, talk to them first to make sure they are comfortable with being left on their own. Make sure they have a list of contact telephone numbers they can ring if they need to get in touch Give clear instructions on what to do if there is an emergency. Every young person left alone should know how to call the emergency services for assistance if needed. Put any dangerous items, such as medicines, chemicals, matches etc, out of reach. Make sure the child understands they are not to answer the door to strangers. Leave a snack so youngsters don't have to use the oven. Finally, always let the child know at what time you will be returning – and do your very best to get back on time.
 
Useful links:

NSPCC
BUPA
Child Accident Prevention Trust