Skip to Content

Can a child be left home alone.

There is no age laid down by the law stating when your child is old enough to be left home alone; however, it is against the law to leave a child home alone if it puts them at risk.

If you are found guilty you could face a prison sentence.

Applying logic and a modicum of common sense you should never leave a baby, toddler or a very young child home alone.

The older the child gets the more it must be down to the parent, they know them best. Children mature at different rates so you must consider how long you are going to be away, how easily you can be contacted and whether the child is happy to be left home alone.

Each situation is different would you leave a 15 year old over night? Would you leave a 12-year-old alone whilst you picked up some milk? With siblings, you may need to consider how well they will get on if left along together.

Leaving you child with a Babysitter.

Once again parental discretion is the watchword, a babysitter under the age of 16 is not responsible for the safety of a child, the parent is, there are no laws stating the age a babysitter must be, the law goes back to it being an offence if you put a child in danger.

If you are concerned about leaving your child at home alone, then it's probably best not to.

Whilst the Law is not specific on age that does not stop arrests being made, the latest figures provided by the police show that around one parent a day is arrested for leaving a child home alone.


Image Description
related news
recent articles
Major Change in Divorce Law - no fault divorces

Government to finally introduce 'no-fault' Divorce laws..

link

Neighbour Disputes | Nuisance Neighbours

Unfortunately, not everyone is respectful in life, most of the time we just move on and keep our opinion to ourselves, but when that comes to where we live you..

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year, what are they and do they work?..

Finders Keepers | Finders Law

Finders Keepers | Finders Law
Ever since the phrase came into being in the early nineteenth century, documented as no halfers-findee, lossee seekee, which sou..

Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

Motoring Offences | Drink Driving.

Motoring Offences - Drink Driving.
If you have been stopped for drink driving it is important that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible and, to assist y..

Mediation Solicitors.

Mediation Solicitors.
Mediation is a process during which a couple is helped by an impartial third party (a mediator). ..

Children and the Law - Smacking

Children and the Law - Smacking.
It is surprising that the UK have not adopted the same stance as in Europe where the EU have adopted a clearer stance in makin..

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

Financial Orders | Family Law.

What happens to money, property and debt with divorce, partnership and relationships splits?..

Dogs and the Law.

Dogs and the Law.
Does your dog need a license, should it be chipped are you buying it from a reputable breeder and is it covered under the Dangerous Dogs Act?..

Registering your Childs Birth.

Registration of a Childs birth is a legal requirement - understand what you need to do...

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top