Legal age parents can leave children alone as summer holidays approach and what NSPCC advises

Wales Online

08-06-2025

Legal age parents can leave children alone as summer holidays approach and what NSPCC advises
Parents may be wondering if their child is ready to stay at home alone or go out unsupervised this summer
Many parents grapple with tough choices when it comes to their children, one of which is determining the appropriate age for their children to stay at home without adult supervision.
During school holidays parents often find themselves needing to arrange child care. This could involve relying on family members or shelling out for holiday clubs but some parents might deem their child mature enough to stay at home alone. Whilst there's no legal age stipulated for when children can be left at home unsupervised it's illegal to leave a child alone if it puts them in danger.
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As we approach the summer holidays we checked guidance published by the NSPCC to assist parents in making informed decisions during the summer break.
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Helen Westerman, the NSPCC's head of local campaigns, said, "a child who doesn't feel comfortable shouldn't be left alone". She said this is why making a universal legal age is impractical as some children, albeit the same age, have different levels of maturity. Parents must also consider if it's safe for their children to play outside without supervision, reports the Liverpool Echo.. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
Ms Westerman added: "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."
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In 2022 Ms Westerman said the NSPCC had received more than 21,000 calls concerning children being unsupervised in the past four years with nearly half of these calls coming during the summertime.
"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."
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She provided advice for parents and carers considering leaving their children home alone or allowing them to go out unaccompanied during the summer.
Are they ready to be left home alone?
Parents should consider whether their child is prepared to handle being unsupervised, especially in the event of an emergency. Ms Westerman said: "Think about if they can deal with risks; will they behave responsibly, and will they be safe? And, perhaps most importantly, how does your child feel about this idea?"
Take sensible precautions
If you're contemplating the idea of your child staying at home alone make sure to take safety measures such as providing them with a spare set of keys and ensuring they can access food and the bathroom. Ms Westerman added: "Consider if there's anything that could hurt them and how you could reduce that risk."
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Never leave infants or little ones by themselves
It is crucial that infants and very young children are never left on their own, irrespective of whether they seem peacefully asleep or are wide awake. Ms Westerman said: "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 organisation also cautions against leaving minors under the age of 16 unsupervised overnight and reminded caregivers to think about whether a child has any special requirements before making the decision to leave them on their own or in the care of an older sibling.
Be informed if they're going out without adult supervision
Knowing where your child plans to go, what they'll be doing, who they'll be with, and how far they'll be travelling is essential when they venture out without adult oversight. Having this information is key for parents to "make the right decision".
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Ensure they know important contact numbers
Ensure your child has a reliable means of contacting a parent or guardian and identify a trustworthy nearby adult to turn to in an emergency if they are staying home alone. Ms Westerman advised: "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."
Discuss various scenarios with your child
Have an open conversation with your child about potential situations they may encounter and how to stay safe. Ask them how they would react and how they think they would feel.
Ms Westerman added: "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.
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"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."
Set clear boundaries
Make sure your child is fully aware of the rules when they're unsupervised, whether at home or out alone, so both you and they understand how they should behave in your absence.
Ms Westerman said: "It's a good idea to agree on some house or outside rules that suit their maturity before you leave them alone.
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"Give your child a chance to build their independence by building your trust. If they adhere to rules and boundaries you set you'll feel more confident letting them do more on their own."
If you have concerns about a child contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc. org.uk.