The school holidays are approaching fast, and parents are being offered guidance as to the rules around leaving their children home alone.
Helen Westerman, the NSPCC's head of local campaigns, said a "a child who doesn't feel comfortable shouldn't be left alone. She said this is why making a universal legal age is impractical, as some children, albeit the same age, have different levels of maturity.Parents must also consider if it's safe for their children to play outside without supervision.
She added: "As children get older, it's common for them to want more freedom and learn to be independent." If you're considering leaving your child at home by themselves, take precautions like leaving a spare set of keys and ensuring they have access to food and the bathroom. Westerman said: "Consider if there's anything that could hurt them and how you could reduce that risk."Westerman emphasises the critical point that babies and very young children should never be left unattended, not even for short periods, regardless of whether they are asleep or awake.
"If they're going out alone, you might want to ask them what they'd do if someone asks them to do something they're not comfortable with. "Ensure your child is fully aware of the rules when they're unsupervised, whether in the home or if they venture out alone, so both you and they understand how they should behave when you're not present.