Leaving kids on their own? Too early?

[MrsLilymunster]

My friend was telling me that her parents often left her on her own from the age of 8+. her parents are really lovely but am I being unreasonable in thinking this is a bit reckless????
when is acceptable age to leave your children on their own??

Local peadophile !! More likely your dh mate or family friend the one to watch out for.

My youngest is almost 8.
If we had stable Wi-Fi I probably could leave him alone for 10 mins.
But I don't think I would I just don't think he's mature enough. I've have 2 other dc who are teens and have been left since they were in year 6.
Again not something I was comfortable with but I couldn't afford childcare to work.

I leave my 11 & 9 year old daughters at home if i go shopping or run errands, usually for around 2 hours. They are very sensible and we have good neighbours who the girls know well in case of emergencies. My older DD has a mobile so can ring me if she needs to.

we live in Australia.
Kids mostly walk /cycle to school on their own around 7/8.
My kids are collected by a classmate who happens to walk past our house and they all go together.
First few times I supervised them across the busiest road (which is not busy!) and they have to use the crossing lady.

Apart from that - when the oldest was 9 I would leave them (youngest 8) for an hour while I went to the supermarket. They love the responsibility.
Most people leave their sensible kids around 9 ish here.