Children at home alone, what age

[middleagedandinarage]

I know this gets asked a lot but at what age would you leave your child at home alone? After school, we live rural so kids get the bus to school. Grandparents 5 minutes walk away. Children currently go to after school club on days I work but wondering what age would people consider for them to get off the bus at home and stay home alone until I get back from work. It would be for an hour to an hour and a half.

Was it with family two mins away? Sounds mad to me but I can imagine it working if family in a neighbouring house or something. I wouldn't trust an 8yo to know what to do in a fire, medical emergency, weirdo calling at the door etc

DS walks home from school alone and has just turned 9 (year 5) and doesn’t have a phone. Think the risks of a phone (distraction when crossing roads, let alone the depths of the internet!) are far more risky than him walking home alone.

DS aged 7 though feels much younger. A lot of growing up happens in those 2 years, plus I think personality/birth order plays a part!

Honestly can't get my head around someone letting an 8 year old babysit, it's hugely irresponsible and if I knew you I'd report you to social services. I still have a babysitter for my 7 and 12 year old and will for a few more years yet.

In my country (Finland) its normal for children in 1st grade upwards to stay home alone for an hour or two, my DD started staying home for about 30 to 60 minutes when she was 6. My DS will be home alone in the mornings next year when he's 7, not sure how long because it depends what time school starts but I leave at 7 and school starts at the earliest at 8 but can start later. So between half an hour and maybe 2 hours.