20% increase in referrals about children being left home alone in Wales, according to charity
The NSPCC reports a 20% increase in referrals about children being left home alone in Wales between April 2023 to March 2024
The NSPCC Helpline has reported a 20% increase in referrals to local authorities in Wales regarding concerns about children being left home alone or unsupervised.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, the Helpline made 195 referrals, up from 163 in the previous year.
Last year, the Helpline received 7,802 contacts from adults across the UK concerned about children being left alone, compared to 4,717 contacts in the previous year.
This rise may be attributed to a recent NSPCC Helpline marketing campaign, increased service capacity, and greater public awareness of the risks associated with leaving children unsupervised.
With schools in Wales breaking up for the summer holiday, the NSPCC is directing parents and carers to advice on their website regarding leaving children home alone.
The charity stresses that no child under 12 should be left unsupervised for extended periods, and children who express concern about being left alone should never be without a parent or carer.
Kam Thandi, Head of the NSPCC Helpline, emphasized the importance of ensuring both the child and the adult are comfortable with any decision to leave a child alone.
Thandi said: "It is vital that children know how to contact a trusted adult and what to do in an emergency,".
The NSPCC website offers tips for parents to ensure the safety of their children when left unsupervised, along with a quiz to assess if a child is ready to be left alone.
The increase in referrals highlights the ongoing challenges parents face, particularly during the summer holidays and amidst the cost-of-living crisis, which forces many to balance work and childcare pressures.
The NSPCC encourages anyone needing advice or concerned about a child's welfare to reach out to their Helpline for support.