by Grill evenings, holidays, weddings and weekends away … Summer is often a time for celebrations. But it can be difficult if you have children who feel too old for a babysitter – or there is no one at hand to take care of them.
While you feel comfortable to leave older children and adolescents home alone for the night, what is then at night?
The NSPC says that it is expecting an increase in the number of adults who get the helplines alone at home with concerns about a child this summer, with top calls in July and August, when children are at school.
So if you work a night shift or take part in a meeting, you can leave children alone and how do you know if you are sufficient?
Here is what needs to be considered.
What is the legal age to leave children in Great Britain overnight?
There is no law in Great Britain in which the age is given in which you can leave a child alone, either during the day or at night.
The government states that parents should use their judgment about the maturity of their children before leaving them unattended. However, they could be pursued by criminal law if a child is “left alone in a way that will probably lead to unnecessary suffering or a violation of health”.
During the day
While there is no legal age for leaving children, the NSPCC offers some instructions. The charity organization for children recommends that children under the age of 12 never stay alone at home and should not even be left alone under three for 10 or 15 minutes while walking along the street.
During the night
The NSPCC previously advised that children under the age of 16 should not be left alone overnight, although they do not recommend a certain age.
Gail Sayles, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager, explains to Yahoo UK that there is no deployment, and parents and supervisors should think about the ripeness of their child, all risks and the effect of the child to be left alone.
What should you consider before leaving a child home alone at night?
Think of your support network
It is important that your child feels comfortable when you remain unattended and you have protective measures.
Sayles recommends thinking about their support network if they are not sure if they have left it. “Are there adults who could come and monitor the children overnight? Could you go to someone else’s house that night if you have to be gone?” she says.
Are you ready?
If your teenager wants to stay alone, does she recommend asking if he would know what to do when there is an emergency or someone comes to the door? This can help you determine whether you are ready and prepare you for unexpected situations.
She also suggests asking her child how it feels to be left alone and worry.
Gradually build it
“Even if you are independent of being left alone, it can be really discouraging if there is no adult in the house,” says Sayles.
She suggests gradually building up on it and perhaps going out for an hour or two in the evening while you first have a friend instead of leaving her immediately for the whole night.
Tips to protect your child when it is alone at home
The NSPCC also recommends setting up the following protective measures when leaving your child:
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Make sure
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Create a security plan so that you know what to do in certain situations
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To be left alone is an opportunity for teenagers to experiment with alcohol or drugs. So do a conversation about your security and what to do in an emergency
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Append what you will do if you are on the go and determine limits, e.g. B. whether they can round friends – and what friends are they
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Let them know when you come back, update them when the plans change and check in regularly
You can find advice on how to leave children on the NSPCC website alone or call the helpline at 0808 800 5000.
If you call the helpline, you not only have to report a problem, but also a support service, in which you can discuss your family circumstances and receive relevant information.
