Over the summer holidays, many parents and guardians need to make arrangements for their children — particularly if they work full time.
One dilemma that many can struggle with is whether it is safe to leave their kids at home whilst they are out. While there is no legal age at which a child can be left home alone, it is illegal to leave them at home if doing so would put them in danger.
Head of local campaigns at the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) Helen Westerman commented: “A child who doesn’t feel comfortable shouldn’t be left alone.”
READ MORE — Asda urgently recall popular food product due to 'possible health risk'
Since every child is different, there cannot be a one-size-fits-all law, Westerman explained. She added it can also hard for parents to decide whether it is safe to let their children leave the house unsupervised, stating: 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.”
According to Westerman, the NSPCC has been contacted over 21,000 times in the last four years regarding children being left alone unsupervised. She states that almost half of the time, this occurs over the summer.
She continued: “As children get older, it’s common for them to want more freedom and learn to be independent. 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.”
As reported by Gloucester Live, read on for seven tips shared by Westerman to help parents and guardians decide whether to leave their child alone or let them go out unsupervised during the summer.
1. Are they ready to be left home alone?
Parents and carers need to examine how their child will cope with being left unsupervised for any stretch of time, and whether they will be able to manage if something goes wrong. “Think about if they can deal with risks, will they behave responsibly, will they be safe?” asks Westerman. “And perhaps most importantly, how does your child feel about this idea?”
2. Take sensible precautions
If you have decided to leave your child unsupervised, ensure that you leave a spare set of keys and ensure that they have access to food and to the bathroom. “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
While deciding whether older children can be left unsupervised is up to the discretion of each parent, babies and young children should never be left alone — even for a few minutes and even if they are asleep. Westerman stresses: “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 that children younger than 16 are not left by themselves overnight. Additionally, if a child has extra needs, these should be considered when leaving them at home alone or with an older sibling.
4. Know the facts if they go out unsupervised
If you have decided to let your child leave the house unsupervised, then ensure you know exactly where they are going, who they will be with, what they are doing, and how far away they will be. "This will help you make the right decision,” explains Westerman.
5. Make sure they have the right phone numbers
Parents who leave their child alone at home should ensure they leave their phone number, as well as the contact information of another trusted adult in case of 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
Talk to your child early on about scenarios they might face and how to stay safe – ask them what they’d do and how they think they’d feel. “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
Make sure your child is well aware of the rules when they’re unsupervised, both in the home or if they go out alone, so both you and they know how they should behave when you’re not around. “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.”
The NSPCC has teamed up with Blakemore Retail for the NSPCC’s Home or Out Alone campaign, which offers a quiz to help parents make the right decision about leaving their children at home safely or letting them leave the house unsupervised.
If you’re worried about a child contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
READ MORE —
- Edinburgh weather: Exact time thunder set to hit capital on Sunday
- Aldi £20 'window vacuum cleaner' praised for leaving glass 'cleaner than ever'
- Edinburgh Airport shares security update to 'get through as quickly as possible'
- Edinburgh property: Inside Shetland church available for half the cost of a city flat
- Aldi shoppers praise 'essential' product that gets rid of flies and wasps in homes
