whats the legal age

[kelsey 1232]

when my 7 year old son visits his father, his father leaves him in the care of his 13 year old stepson while he and his partner go out, does anyone know if this is legal or not??

[simsfreq]

I don't think there's actually a law on it because it's up to the parent to have discretion on whether the older child is responsible enough. Also see

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Search/Default.asp?Catego ****=18&SearchText=babysit&searchformSubmit=SUBM IT

[maggie01]

I am not sure if there is a law against it, but I wouldn't be too happy about it. Why bother to have him if he doesn't spend the time with him?

[phae]

the legal age for leaving a child with a minor is 14.

obviously, the police are not exactly gonna raid the address, so the law is not exactly upheld, but if a child is regularly left in the sole charge of a carer under 14, social services will step in.

[ursula62]

sorry phae, but in the UK there is no legal minimum age for supervising other children.

There's more info here for anyone who's interested: http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/leaving_children.html

[peeriesooky]

It does not seem appropriate for a 'child' of 13 to be in charge of your son. I would in all honesty inform social services if you are concerned. I am a mother of 3 and there is noway i would consider this to be acceptable.