Children looking after Children

[trippn]

Does anyone know if there is an age limit for Children being left on their own during the working day? My Ex-wife occasionly works during the school holidays and leaves my 13(nearly 14) year old in charge of her sisters' who are 9 and 12. I'll be grateful to hear if anyone knows of any age limit or any views on the subject.

[Sparkle*]

Hi trippn, i dont actually know what the age limit is. But in my opinion i think 13 (nearly 14) is a bit young to be on your own and looking after other kids. I remember back when i was that age and i dont think i was very capable especially if something went wrong

[Weaza_cfc]

I don't believe there is an age-limit. I am fifteen, and my parents let me look after my brother *aged 11* all the time. If its only for a few hours then i am sure your daughter will be capable, however maybe a whole day is asking a bit much. It also depends on how old your other kids are - at 9 and 12 they are not going to be too difficult. If they were younger it would a different story. Plus, she is going to want to go out with her friends - its going to be a bit difficult if she has to look after her siblings too. Trust me, she will see this as being grossly unfair!

[FP]

Programme on BBC Radio 2 today regarding this.  There is no law governing at what age a child should be left alone in England, Wales or N.Ireland.  In Scotland there is a law, and I believe they said the minimum age was 13.    In fact, it is not against the law to leave a child alone from birth onwards, ridiculous as that may seem.  However, if harm comes to a child who is left alone, then the parents can be prosecuted in a court of law.

[Philtaz]

I was always led to believe it was 14, which would be appropriate because should anything untoward happen or go awry in British law a child does not assume full criminal responsibility until the age of 14.

[keen2learn]

I agree that 14 is probably reasonable, but I don't think there's a legal limit.......this type of concern seems to be a new phenomenon; members of previous generations frequently cared for younger siblings without anyone thinking it was wrong. My (now adult) son recalls that when he was left in charge of younger brothers, the problems were not about safety but discipline; apparently as soon as I disappeared the younger children would take absolutely no notice of anything their eldest brother asked them to do, and run riot.

[Lindy Loo]

I think it depends on the maturity of the child, not their actual age. Some 10 yr olds are mature for their age, but on the other hand some 18 yr olds should remain supervised!!

Hope these links help. They all give information about leaving children 'home alone' and older children looking after younger siblings.

 

NSPCC-children-home-alone

Childrens-legal-centre

Leaving-children-alone

[doorknob]

A person is allowed to "babysit" (ie get paid for babysitting) officially at 14 yrs old.  That,I believe, is an employment regulation of the babysitter not with regards to an age for being left in charge.  As detailed above it all depends on whether someone else things they are capable of looking after their charges.  If a Social Worker or Police Officer attends as a result of a worried/concerned person then it is their 'subjective' opinion as to whether anyone is at risk and if they think they are then they will be taken to a place of safety.  If the conditions were serious enough then a file/report may be sent to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration as to whether to bring charges or not.  In any case the Social Services would get a report and the local police Child Protection Team.

[atkrhome]

http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com/Templates/Topic.asp?NodeID=90323

 

This will give you the answers you need

[ignoramus]

Maybe Instead of posting on a messageboard about your ex, you should be offering a bit more support from yourself and/or your family?
Life is hard for a single parent and I take my hat off to your ex for trying to do the best she can.
If you are that concerned why not take some time off work yourself so that your eldest doesn't have such a responsibility when your ex is desperately trying to provide for YOUR kids?

[Birchy]

14-years-old is a myth. The law is quite simple. If you leave your child in the care of somebody less than 16-y-o, and something "happens" to your child, YOU are legally responsible. Over 16 and the sitter is responsible. And taking the point of other comments, YOU must make the value judgment regardless of the age of the sitter. After all, a 26-year-old could have the mental age of an 11-year-old.........

[snodgrass]

Good answer 'Ignoramus'! Why do ex-husbands assume that the lone mothers of their children are superwomen? I am a single parent of one and god knows it's hard work. Your wife sounds great for finding the energy and will to work considering that she has three youngish children. Why hasn't it occurred to you that you could offer to do the odd day's babysitting to help out and in the process get closer to your children - something which nobody can put a price on.

[_Poizon_]

I cannot remember where I heard it (TV or Radio )

But the age limit to be left alone is 12 for a girl 14 for a boy and the age limit to be left in charge of younger children (age 2+) was 14 for a girl and 16 for a girl.

This was because of girls maturing faster and being naturally mother-like.

[brokly]

I agree with Snodgrass. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds to me as if, instead of offering your ex positive help, you're just trying to store up ammo against her. Shame on you. 

[Birchy]

_Poizon_ is reporting WRONG info. There is NO age limit. But the reponsibility issue revolves around the 16-y-o boundary. Also, in-fighting between separated/divorced partners is a side issue and perhaps The AB could open a new pigeon hole titled "Anger"???

[ahar]

trippn this is a childish way of getting to your ex-wife. if you have a better idea then bloody well do something about it.

[nicky098]

Hi, In answer to your question about minimum age to be left home caring for syblings is, there isnt one, you are supposed to use your own judgment.  I once asked social services the same question and that is the answer I got, so it must be right coming from them.

And If you feel your daughter is responsible enough to care for her syblings then why not as long as it's not all the time.