With summer school holidays now underway, many parents may struggle to keep their child preoccupied all the time, especially if they're at work.
There may even be times this summer when a parent will face the dilemma of whether they can safely leave their kid home alone. Legally, there is no official age limit for when a child can be left on their own in the house, Wales Online reports.
However, it is against the law to leave them on their own if it puts them at any risk. Helen Westerman, head of local campaigns at the NSPCC explains: "A child who doesn’t feel comfortable shouldn’t be left alone."
She also stresses the fact that every child is different so it's impossible to have a one-size fits all kind of law when examining these kinds of situations. Westerman adds: "Lots of parents will be thinking about whether it’s safe to leave their children at home safely, and if they’re old enough to leave the house unsupervised.
"This can be a really tricky decision for parents and carers to make as it will differ from child to child. As well as navigating if a child is ready to be left alone, lots of parents will also find managing work alongside the school break really challenging, particularly in light of the soaring child costs and the cost of living crisis, which is putting additional pressure on families.”
Westerman notes that the charity has been contacted over 21,000 times over the past four years in regards to an unsupervised child. She adds that hald of these contacts took place during the summer months.
“As children get older, it’s common for them to want more freedom and learn to be independent,” she says. “This is an important part of growing up, but we know there can be a lot to think about for parents. As every child is different, we recommend building up their independence at their pace and checking in with them to make sure they feel safe.”
Westerman has shared a few tips for parents and carers so they can ensure they're making the right decisions when it comes to leaving their kids at home unsupervised during the summer holidays:
1. Are they ready to be left home alone?
Parents need to sit down and properly examine whether their child is ready to deal with being left in the house alone for a length of time. Westerman says: "Think about if they can deal with risks, will they behave responsibly, will they be safe?
"And perhaps most importantly, how does your child feel about this idea?”
2. Take sensible precautions
If you do decide your child can be left at home on their own, make sure to take some safety precautions. For example, always leave a spare set of keys as well as some food. “Consider if there’s anything that could hurt them and how you could reduce that risk,” advises Westerman.
3. Never leave babies or young children alone
A baby or young child should never be left at home unsupervised for even a moment. "Children under the age of 12 are rarely mature enough to cope in an emergency and should not be left at home alone for a long period.”
The NSPCC also recommends to not leave children under the age of 16 alone overnight.
4. Know the facts if they go out unsupervised
If your child is going outside on their own, ensure they're aware of where they want to go and do, who they'll be will and how far they will travel. "This will help you make the right decision,” explains Westerman.
5. Make sure they have the right phone numbers
Make sure your child has a parents' or carer's phone number as well as a trusted adult in mind that they could go to in case of an emergency. If they’re going out alone, make sure they know a trusted adult’s full name and address, and have two trusted adults’ phone numbers,” advises Westerman.
6. Go through different scenarios with your child
Walk your child through some scenarios and how they can stay safe to see if they're adequately prepared. “If they’re going to be home alone for example, ask them what they’d do if they hurt themselves or if a stranger knocks on the door,” suggests Westerman. “If they’re going out alone, you might want to ask them what they’d do if someone asks them to do something they’re not comfortable with. “
7. Set clear boundaries
Lay out some boundaries so your child is aware of what they can or can't do when unsupervised. “It’s a good idea to agree on some house or outside rules that suit their maturity before you leave them alone,” suggests Westerman.
“Give your child a chance to build their independence by building your trust. If they keep to rules and boundaries you set, you’ll feel more confident letting them do more on their own.”
If you’re worried about a child contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
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