THE age at which children can be left home alone in Ireland has been revealed as summer holidays draw nearer.
The State’s leading Irish child protection service Tusla and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) have weighed in on the question.
Parents must ask if their child is ready to be home alone[/caption]
There are multiple things to consider before leaving your child or teen at home[/caption]
It’s one that many parents are asking as both primary and secondary schools begin to wrap up for the academic year.
Although some children will have a childminder or go to a summer camp, it’s not unlikely that they may have to be left home alone.
Tusla have said that there is no specific legal age that a child can be left home alone in Ireland.
But the child’s safety and welfare must still be accounted for.
Tusla said that children under the age of 14 are generally not seen as mature enough to be left home alone.
They explained: “There is no set age at which it is legal to leave children home alone, as it depends on whether the child is mature enough to be left alone.
“For older teenagers, it is the decision of the parent or guardian, based on the child, their level of maturity and their living circumstances.”
The group added that young children should never be left home alone, while children over the age of 14 should only be left home alone for a very short period of time.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
From 16 onwards, it’s generally considered that a child is mature enough to be left at home without a parent or guardian.
The NSPCC also offer advice on how to asses whether or not your child is mature enough to stay home alone.
Head of local campaigns Helen Westerman said that a child who doesn’t feel comfortable being left alone should not stay at home without a supervisor.
She added that parents must also consider if their child is ready to play outside unsupervised.
As children get older and socialising with friends becomes a bigger part of life, many might spend their summer holidays shopping or going to the beach with their peers.
But Westerman said there are a few things to consider before allowing this.
EMERGENCY SCENARIO
She told The Mirror: “As children get older, it’s common for them to want more freedom and learn to be independent.
“This is an important part of growing up, but we know there can be a lot to think about for parents.
“As every child is different, we recommend building up their independence at their pace and checking in with them to make sure they feel safe.”
Some tips that parents can consider before deciding to leave their child home alone include asking, ‘Are they ready’, and considering ‘What would they do in an emergency?’
A second tip is taking sensible precautions by reducing risk factors and leaving a spare set of keys, food, and access to the bathroom.
A third is to know the facts if your child is going out unsupervised, including where they are going and with who.
FINAL TIP
A fourth tip is to make sure your children have the correct phone numbers and can easily contact you.
And a common tip is to go through different scenarios with your child and explain the correct way to approach them.
For example, you might want to ask them what they would do if a stranger came to the door or if someone asked them to do something they were uncomfortable with.
And a final tip is to establish clear boundaries, so that your child is aware of all the rules when they are unsupervised, in or outside of the house.
Westerman said: “said: “It’s a good idea to agree on some house or outside rules that suit their maturity before you leave them alone.
“Give your child a chance to build their independence by building your trust.
“If they adhere to rules and boundaries you set, you’ll feel more confident letting them do more on their own.”
Can your child be left home alone?
Here are some things to consider before leaving your child unsupervised:
- Ask yourself are they comfortable with it?
- Have you taken sensible measures to prevent risk?
- Do you know the facts of where your child is going and with who?
- Does your child have the correct phone number?
- Do you they know what to do in an emergency scenario?
- Have you established clear boundaries about being unsupervised with your child?
Parents shouldn’t leave children below the age of 14 alone for long[/caption]
