At what age would you leave kids alone while you holiday

System

Overnight i was left with my siblings, i was 16 they were, 6.7 and 9. It was my parents work christmas do. I managed all right, got them fed, put to bed and it went fine.

First time i got left home alone on my own was when i was 17 and doing a levels, i had exams they went away for the week. There was plently of food in and didnt have any problems (may also have sneaked over my bf for the week :rotfl: sorry mum)

Red-Squirrel_2

13? A full week? I'd call the police non-emergency and let them know, if they decide its ok then fair enough, but I wouldn't be happy not informing them.

It would be different if the eldest was 18 or over, but they aren't.

eamon

And the kids are thinking, excellent Mum & that dozy boyfriend of hers have p****d off for the week. The bliss, probably why the 16yo is acquiring an alcohol problem.

pollypenny

silvercar wrote: »

This thread is interesting when compared to ones about the age people would be for baby sitting. I wonder if the people that insist that baby sitters are at least 16, the same ones that won't leave their youngsters home alone?

There's a huge difference between being out for an evening, and contactable, and away for a week - possibly abroad.

LandyAndy

At hat age would you leave kids alone while you holiday

Six and seven eighths.

Comms69

Red-Squirrel wrote: »

13? A full week? I'd call the police non-emergency and let them know, if they decide its ok then fair enough, but I wouldn't be happy not informing them.

It would be different if the eldest was 18 or over, but they aren't.

What do you expect the police to do?

ska_lover

Comms69 wrote: »

What do you expect the police to do?

It depends if a crime has been committed - child neglect perhaps?


If anyone is concerned, IMO best thing to do would be ring social services

TBagpuss

Police can do a welfare check, and can involve Social Services if necessary. There are criminal offences related to neglect and abandonment.
They centre on whether the child is at risk of harm and whether the parent or responsible adult has failed to make appropriate arrangements for their care - so there would be an issue as to whether leaving a 16 or 17 year old in charge amounted to making adequate arrangements or not. It could be argued that it does, provided that they had enough food / money for food.

Comms69

ska_lover wrote: »

It depends if a crime has been committed - child neglect perhaps?


If anyone is concerned, IMO best thing to do would be ring social services

Agreed, I don't think this is anywhere near neglect status, but social services sure

Red-Squirrel_2

Comms69 wrote: »

What do you expect the police to do?

Ensure the safety of the children and deal with the parents if they believe they have committed a crime.

Who else would you call for children left alone for a week, the RSPCA?

Some interesting links:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/11498123/Arrests-for-leaving-kids-home-alone-made-every-day.html

http://www.itv.com/news/2015-08-07/mother-who-left-children-home-alone-for-three-weeks-while-she-went-on-holiday-escapes-prosecution/