AIBU to think it might not be ok to leave a 16yo overnight with their younger siblings?

[WhereTheFuckIsMyFuckingCoat]

Just that really. Four children, all male (if that's relevant), 16yo, 14yo, 7yo & 8yo.

Would be home alone from 1800hrs until 0645hrs the following morning. Parent would be working no further than 20-25 min away by vehicle, which would always be guaranteed to be available.

Don't know any neighbours, however have a reliable friend who lives approx 1.5min walk away. Quiet suburb with virtually zero crime. Average ambulance wait time is 6-14 minutes.

16yo has no issues with it - is a sensible reliable teenager who can cook, clean, knows advanced first aid. The house has a fully stocked professional first aid kit and is fitted with regularly checked smoke alarms.

I'm being told that it's fine, legal, not a problem, but I'm just not sure.

I really need opinions please.

But has been said several times, younger kids tend to respond much better to someone who they don't know so well than they would their older sibling who has been bidding them around since they were born, and are therefore easily ignored.

And does your DD have that responsibility all night?

I'm not saying kids shouldn't help out - chores round the house, looking after siblings for a couple of hours etc. I just don't think it is fair to out that much responsibility in a 16yo overnight on a regular basis.

I’ve just asked my 18 year old about this! He says if everybody - including the younger ones- are happy it’s absolutely fine. And if it was him, he wouldn’t expect payment- but would expect wildly unsuitable food for them all!