Hundreds of children home alone during summer holidays, say NSPCC

The NSPCC is urging parents to think carefully before leaving their children home alone during the summer holidays.

The charity’s helpline received 453 calls and emails between July and September last year from adults concerned about youngsters being left unattended. Of these over three-quarters -366- were so serious they were passed to police or social services.

Throughout last year the helpline received 1,729 calls and emails from adults concerned about children being left to fend for themselves, with more than half of those referred to police or social services under 10.

The NSPCC’s ChildLine service also delivered 273 counselling sessions to children and young people last year who were worried about being left home alone.

The law does not give a minimum age for leaving children alone at home but it’s against the law if it puts them at risk.

Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC said:

“Summer holidays can be a fun time for children but it’s also when they are more likely to be left home alone as parent’s face increasing childcare pressures. This could explain why we see a spike in calls to our helpline during these months.

“Leaving your child home alone can be a difficult decision as children mature at different ages – there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer. But it could put them at greater risk of accident or injury.

“I would urge parents to use their common sense when deciding if their child could cope. They should also ask them how they feel about being left alone and talk to them about what to do in an emergency. Parents are best placed to know what is right for their child so it vital there is flexibility for them to decide.”

NSPCC advice on leaving a child at home

• 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 this, 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?

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