Cornwall parents urged to seek advice about leaving children home alone
The NSPCC says 391 referrals were made to South West agencies last year with concerns about children being left alone at home
A leading children's charity is urging parents in Cornwall to seek advice about leaving children home alone during the summer holidays.
The NSPCC has revealed it took nearly 400 referrals last summer from people concerned that children being left home alone was the main risk for the child.
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The charity says it understands the need for parents to balance working in order to provide and the cost of childcare putting them under financial strain.
While there is no specific age where a child can be left home alone, it is against the law to do so if it puts them at risk.
The NSPCC's Maherush Khan told Greatest Hits Radio: "We would usually not recommend a child under 12 being home alone."
She said many of the factors contributing to children being left at home stem from the cost of living crisis.
"It forces parents and carers to work longer hours or take on extra jobs, which complicates childcare arrangements," she said. "We recognise that it's not easy.
Maherush added that as children approach their teens, they will want to build their independence and that every family's situation is unique.
She advises that independence should be grown steadily, with parents checking in at regular intervals.
The charity has issued these tips for parents and carers considering leaving their child alone
Being home alone for the first time is probably going to be as worrying for the young person as it is for you. Try to prepare them by talking about scenarios that might take place and solutions, such as would they know what to do if someone came to the door?
Ensure they have the emergency services and relevant contact numbers written down in case they can’t contact you, for instance family members or friends.
Agree what they’ll be doing while you are out, equally agree what they cannot do, for instance cooking can be dangerous and should only be done by an older child.
Adults should be clear about what time they’ll be returning and let their child know if their plans change, as well as checking in regularly.
Depending on the child, being left home alone can be a big change to get used to. It's better to leave them for a short time at first, no more than 20 minutes, then build this up over time.
Kam Thandi, Head of the NSPCC's Helpline, said: "The long summer holidays present many parents and carers with a major headache about how they ensure their children are safe and looked after while also holding down a job.
“Trying to juggle these competing commitments can lead some to consider whether leaving their child home alone is a viable option.
“Even if the child is aged 12 or over it is still essential to check they are comfortable at being left unsupervised and to also map out together what they will be doing while you are away and what they should do if something goes wrong.
“For additional support and guidance, the NSPCC Helpline and website has a wealth of information and expertise which parents and carers can also draw on.”
Adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing [email protected]