Is it illegal to leave a child under 16 home alone??

[aGalChangedHerName]

I had a discussion with a "friend" and she has said it is illegal for a child undr 16 to be left in the home alone day or night.

Well i screwed up loads of times then didn't i???

I reguarly left my 14 year old in charge of my 10 year old while i popped to the shops for an hour or so. Also left my 14/15 year old to babysit his baby sister for half an hour when i went to the docs etc.

So was i wrong to do so?

no, it's not.

no it isn't illegal,there is actually no legal age limit for babysitting

No.

It would be illegal to leave your 7 y old alone with ready meals for two weeks whilst you go abroad as that is neglect but leaving a 14 & 10 yo for an hour is fine

Message withdrawn

If it was illegal what would happen to girls under 16 that got pg and had babies?

The NSPCC website gives details about leaving children at home alone.

Hmm wonder if there's something online i can print out to show her? What if they are left overnight tho? Not that i would do that but she will still say i am wrong on both counts i expect.

Message withdrawn

Will have a look at that website,thanks

No

Your friend is talking crap.

Also, is she aware that with your permission, your 16 year old could get married? It would be a rum deal if she had never been left home alone, wouldn't it?

Is she one of those cotton wool parent nutters?

No it is not illegal. This is a common misconception. There is no set age at which it is illegal to leave a child alone - you are expected to exercise your judgement. However, if something goes wrong you would be on shaky ground if say, you had left a five year old alone, or left a 12 year old for a week, say.
FWIW I now leave my 10 year old for up to an hour and my eight year old for 10-15 minutes. I wouldn't leave my five year old for a second, however. They need to build up gradually - otherwise you end up with a 16 year old who is completely helpless.
For instance today my 10 year old and two of her friends walked into town (a mile) went to the cinema and came home by themselves.
I see that as a step towards independence. Some parents would see it as irresponsible.

It is bollocks here

Cheers for that everyone. Am tempted to print out this thread but knowing her she would say you're all wrong too