Parents are often left wondering when it is safe to leave a child at home unsupervised, or at what age an older child can baby-sit a younger one. The English law is not clear as to what age a child should be when he or she is left unsupervised. It is not based on a specific age. However, parents can be prosecuted for wilful neglect if they leave a child alone "in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health" (Children and Young Persons Act 1933).
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) advises that no child should be left overnight under the age of sixteen or left alone under the age of twelve. Even a short stint without an adult or parent around can be upsetting and lonely for a young child. Most eight to thirteen year olds, even if they feel happy about being left alone, may not be ready to cope in an emergency.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council and other members of the Area Child Protection Committee (ACPC) were concerned enough to appeal to the public to think twice before leaving youngsters unsupervised. Their requests derive from a number of reported incidents of 10 to 12 year olds being left unsupervised in the home while parents are away at work. Some parents who work for a living have convinced themselves that the children are OK if locked in, provided with food and a mobile phone contact number if there is any problem. An additional reason why parents and other adults leave children unsupervised may be a result of them having a night out planned and either leaving their child/children alone or making less than robust arrangements for their care, which break down.
Personal health service BUPA, recommend that you never leave a baby or toddler alone, even for a few minutes. In addition BUPA state that leaving a child who is asleep is not a good idea as they may wake up and try to come looking for you. They also mention that, being alone in the dark can be terrifying for a small child. BUPA have put forward the argument that age alone is not a sufficient guide as to when children can be safely left at home. A statement supported by the ACPC and NSPCC. Older children may seem mature enough to be left alone, but their capabilities to cope in a case of emergency may have to be questioned. It's advised by BUPA and the NSPCC that if you wish to leave your child at home alone, you should first discuss the possibility with them and take heed of their reactions. Is the idea something they look forward to, or is it something they remain hesitant about? BUPA feel that it is helpful for you to observe their reactions to everyday situations. By doing so you will be able to see how they cope under different pressures. Does your child enjoy planning their own time or do they rely on you to plan their every minute? More importantly, does your child panic when something unexpected occurs?
In their mid-to-late teens, children should be made aware that being left alone in the home is a privilege and huge responsibility. This responsibility can make the child feel more adult and through taking a democratic approach can help you reach a sensible agreement over house rules. Understandably trust is stretched between you and your child during its teenage years, but you shouldn't oppose letting them have friends to sit in with. Two children may be more mischievous in a pair but any loneliness will be prevented and a greater sense of security added. However, make sure that both children are aware of the house rules and the severe consequences for breaking them.
Andrew Christie (ACPC chairman and Hammersmith and Fulham's Council Assistant Director for Children's Services) said: "Adults who leave children unsupervised are breaking the law and placing them in unnecessary danger." If you are in doubt of your child's ability to cope on his or her own, you may wish to consider a babysitter. The challenge then is finding the right, suitable and appropriate babysitter. Traditionally young people used babysitting, as a means to earn some pocket money but this then raises the question of how old is old enough to baby-sit?
The Babysitter
In the UK there is no legal minimum age for babysitting, but both ROSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) and the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) recommend that no persons under 16 look after a baby. You yourself will have to pass final judgement on this.
Although English law fails to state an age at which young people can baby-sit it is important to remember that no person under the age of 16 can be charged with neglect or ill treatment of a child left in their care. Therefore parents remain responsible for their children and can be charged themselves if any harm comes to their child.
If you ask an adult that you know to baby-sit then you have to carefully assess their ability and suitability to undertake the task and they have to be beyond suspicion in regards to any risk of abuse.
An alternative to hiring a babysitter could be one of your older children babysitting his/her siblings. In such cases, the same age concerns apply and it is important for you to judge whether or not your child has the qualities you would look for when hiring a babysitter. If so, then why not have your child complete a babysitting course? The British Red Cross run courses but require the child have reached their fourteenth birthday by the time of their final assessment. If you decided to let your child baby-sit his/her siblings then don't be afraid to give praise where it is due and reward your child for sensible and wise behaviour.
A summary of pointers regarding unsupervised children
- A child or young person under 16 should not be left on their own over night. Never leave a baby or very young child alone, whether asleep or awake, even for a few minutes. It doesn't take long for unsupervised young children or babies to injure themselves. Most children under about 13 are not mature enough to cope with an emergency and should not be left alone for more than a few minutes.
- If children are left alone, make sure they have clear instructions about what to do if there is a problem. Leave a list of people you trust. These should be people they could go to or telephone, such as a close relative or neighbour. It is important to put all obvious dangers out of reach before you go (e.g. medicines, chemicals, sharp objects or matches).
- If you are leaving a teenager alone make sure they know how to contact the emergency services, if necessary and are happy with the whole arrangement. If possible, leave a telephone number for where you can be contacted. Be ready to answer you phone immediately.
- If possible choose a babysitter who is over 16. People under 16 cannot be held responsible for any harm that happens to a child under their supervision. Please note that even some 16 year olds may not be mature enough.
- Tell the child when you are expecting to get home and try your best to be back at that time. If running late, contact your child so that he/she does not panic over your whereabouts.
- Talk to your child about it afterwards; and finally:
- Always remember that you are the best judge of your child's level of maturity and responsibility.
Some useful pointers when choosing a babysitter
- If in any doubt, don't let the babysitter mind your children (follow your instincts).
- Make sure the babysitter is over sixteen years of age.
- Listen and talk to your child about any issues of babysitting that they are unhappy about.
- If your child feels uncomfortable or is having problems with your current babysitter, find another.
- If you are unsure about a babysitter, use a registered childminder. A list of local childminders can be obtained form your local authority Social Services Department.
- If you have any doubts over a childminder, babysitter or other carer, follow your instincts and don't take them on. Always ask for at least two references and check these carefully.
Elliot Stubbs
Useful Contacts
- ACPC
- Dedicated to the safeguard of children from abuse and neglect. www.acpc.gov.uk
- British Red Cross
- To find your local branch, look in your telephone book or visit www.redcross.org.uk
- Child Accident Prevention Trust
- Charity in the United Kingdom committed to reducing the number of children and young people killed, disabled and seriously injured as a result of accidents. Tel: 020 7608 3828. www.capt.org.uk
- Churches Child Protection Advisory Service
- Advises churches/children's organisations on child protection, policy and safe practice issues. Provides resources and 24-hour helpline. www.ccpas.co.uk
- Committee for Children
- US non-profit organization promoting safety and well being of children. www.cfchildren.org
- Emergency Services
- If you feel a child is being neglected or being left unsupervised, don't threat to pick up the phone.
- Gingerbread
- UK single parent organization. www.gingerbread.org.uk
- National Childminding Association
- For more on how to find a childminder, call: 020 8464 6164 or visit www.ncma.org.uk
- NSPCC
- Major UK child protection charity.www.nspcc.org.uk