Children Home Alone

[TEE JAY]

Hiya

Is there a minimum legal age for a child to be left home alone? Not talking days but for a few hours in an evening. Also for a child to look after a baby?

Thanks

[butterfly76]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/2603817.stm

This should help you.

[Bexxybex123]

The link from butterfly76 obviously says there is no legal requirement, but I did hear somewhere that a child had to be 14 to babysit other children (depending on needs etc). Obviously though it depends on the child, for example; my 14yr old brother would not be left responsible as he doesn't like answering the phone/door, and is not exactly bright when it comes to things like turning the oven off after use!

[netibiza]

It was only a crime if something happened to the child being left with a young babysitter or alone.  It may have changed now.

[Tracykj]

I had exactly the same question not too long ago and found a great parenting advice site by the name of

www.raisingkids.co.uk

I recommend that to any parent

[silly moo]

Not sure if the law has changed but it used to be illegal to leave your child alone in a room with an unguarded fire.
Age limits were 12 in England and Wales but 7 in Scotland.
Always struck me as a badly drafted law.

[elligray]

i'm pretty sure that it's 12, if they're not babysitting, and 14 if they are