NI 'home alone' warning as parents face potential prosecution
Dozens of cases referred to the PSNI and children's services
More than 100 referrals about children being left ‘home alone’ have been made to authorities in Northern Ireland over the last two years, it was revealed today.
The NSPCC says its helpline passed on “dozens of cases” to the PSNI and children’s services after receiving calls and emails from those concerned about unsupervised youngsters.
Now, the charity is warning parents here that they could face prosecution if they leave their children at home while they’re away during the summer holidays.
Along with the total of 121 referrals, there were 28 calls and emails seeking advice about children being left on their own.
The NSPCC said that although the law does not give a minimum age at which children can be left on their own, parents and carers could be prosecuted for neglect if children are put at risk of suffering or injury.
Worried callers to the NSPCC Helpline across the UK have reported children being left alone overnight and young children left to feed themselves and use dangerous kitchen equipment.
One caller who phoned the NSPCC Helpline said: “They’re leaving the kids alone at all hours of the day, from early in the morning until late at night. They have to fend for themselves and make their own meals and use the cooker and other dangerous kitchen equipment. When I go round to check on them they pretend that their mum is in the house, but I don’t believe she is. I never see her.”
The NSPCC is warning that although a child may seem responsible enough to be left alone without supervision, parents and carers should think carefully whether they would be able to cope with unexpected situations such as an emergency, a stranger calling at the house, being hungry or if the parent is away for longer than they thought.
The NSPCC is urging parents to read its Home Alone guide which includes questions they should ask themselves and their children before deciding to leave a child unsupervised.
Head of NSPPC Northern Ireland Neil Anderson said: “Deciding if a child is ready to be left on their own can be a very difficult decision and the summer holidays can be a difficult time for parents and carers as they face increasing childcare pressures.
“Although there is no minimum age, no child should be left on their own if there is any risk they will come to harm.
“Children mature at their own rate so it’s really important parents think carefully about what is right for their child.
“Children shouldn’t be left on their own if they are not happy with being left, or if they don’t know what to do in an emergency.”
To help parents and carers who may be considering whether or not to leave their child on their own for the first time this summer, the NSPCC is issuing guidance on leaving children home alone on its website - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
Key advice includes:
• Babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone.
• Children under the age of 12 are rarely mature enough to cope in an emergency and should not be left at home alone for a long period of time.
• Children under the age of 16 should not be left alone overnight.
• Parents and carers can be prosecuted for neglect if it is judged that they placed a child at risk by leaving them at home alone.
• A child should never be left at home alone if they do not feel comfortable with it, regardless of their age.
• If a child has additional needs, these should be considered when leaving them at home alone or with an older sibling.
• When leaving a younger child with an older sibling think about what may happen if they were to have a falling out - would they both be safe?
The NSPCC’s helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 800 5000 for free and confidential advice.