Police give answer in debate over exact age a child can be left home alone

Parents often count down the days until their child turns 16 - when they're old enough to stay home alone while they head out for a meal or a concert, confident they’ll be safe. But is there actually a legal age at which you can leave a child on their own ? Police have now weighed in and settled the debate. According to Ask The Police , a website administered by police forces around the UK, someone asked: "At what age can children be left home alone?".

Their answer reads: "There is no minimum legal age for leaving a child home alone and it is down to the parent/guardian/carer to make that decision. Common sense would suggest that the child would have to be of an age where they could look after themselves, including coping with an emergency. "For example, it would not be appropriate to leave a young child alone, for long periods of time or during the night." Gov.uk warns that parents can be prosecuted if they leave a child unsupervised "in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health".

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) - a leading children's charity in the UK - says that if your child has an older sibling or step-sibling, you might feel more comfortable leaving them home together, especially if one child is older. It states that while there’s no legal age a child can babysit, if you leave your children with someone who is under 16, you’re still responsible for their well-being. Because of this, parents should think carefully about leaving a child alone with an older brother or sister.

Remember, if they fall out, you won’t be around to make the peace. Things you could consider: How well do your children get on? Do they fight when you aren't there? Are they able to resolve a conflict between them peacefully? Talk to your older child before leaving them in charge. Ask if they feel comfortable looking after their younger brother or sister alone. You shouldn't leave them in charge if they don't feel comfortable. Does one of your children have complex needs?

Think carefully about whether your child needs adult supervision, in case something goes wrong and they need support. Agree on some house rules. Check that your older child knows what to do in an emergency. And come up with a safety plan for them to follow when you aren't there. Leave them a list of contact numbers. Include all your contact numbers, friends or family members, any trusted neighbours and the emergency services. Do a trial run.

Try leaving them together for a short period of time, while you're still close by, and build this up over time. Plan some activities for them to do while you're out. Both you and your children might feel more comfortable if they're focused on an activity – like watching a film or playing a board game. The NSPCC suggests talking about the subject with your child. It states: Babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone - even if it's just for a few minutes, as you pop down the road or to a neighbour's house Children aged 12 or older should only be left alone for long periods of time when both the child feels safe and the parent feels they’re read.y Children under 12 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for long periods of time It explains: "As your child gets older, talk to them about how they feel about being left home alone.

"If they're worried, work out what parts of being home alone worry them. Do they feel safe in the neighbourhood? Are they afraid of the dark? "Talk about anything that’s bothering them and discuss a solution. Understanding why they don’t feel comfortable will give you an idea of how to help – or why they might not be ready to be left alone. "We would always recommend leaving a child younger than 12 years old with family, a friend or in childcare."