Leaving teenagers alone overnight...

[Tanya1965]

I am going away for 4 days after Christmas to visit a sick friend. I have a 16 year old son, who I have left alone whilst I have been away before, and a 15 year old daughter who has stayed with relatives when I have been away previously. I am considering leaving my 15 year old daughter to stay at home with my son this time as it is the Christmas period and making arrangements for her to stay elsewhere would be difficult. I'm wandering is there a law restricting this? Is it ok for a 15 year old to stay with a 16 year old for 4 nights whilst I'm away?
I trust them both completely and the reason why I haven't let my daughter stay with my son at home previously is because I have been concerned about what the law has to say about this.

no law

I think it is probably one of those grey areas-you can do it but you would be responsible.

It's not illegal, as far as I know (after all, some 16 years olds even have their own babies to care for), but you might want to get a neighbour to check in on them from time to time. Is there someone nearby in case of fire/burglars/illness on their part? How far away are you going?

This might be helpful.

I think that the responsibility is the parents for any child under 16. But if a child under 16 is left with someone 16 or over then the responsibility is the 16year olds.

It's not illegal. But I would not leave my 16 year old alone overnight.

no law - but i think your insane

I left my 17yr old with 13 yr old for 1 night in November. (We went to a hotel for a large party). My parents phoned to check all ok, we called when we got there and again later, and neighbors were on standby.

They cooked tea, fed dog & cat, let dog in & out, & CLEANED THE HOUSE!

I trust them, and DD(17) insisted we went & that she didn't want Grandparents moving in for 1 night.

Milliways your 17 year old sounds very sensible. DD2 is just 19 and I would be happy to leave her now. But she would not have ben able to cope at 17.

What age can a teenager babysit another child? Not overnight but for a few hours? I know it depends on how responsible the teenager is, but what are the legal implications?

There is no legal limit, but the usually self imposed limit is from age 14 if known and looking after older kids (no nappies!).

If you leave your kids with anyone under 16 you are still legally liable for their care.

DD babysat from age 14, but became in real demand from age 16. Once over 16 they tend to have jobs and not be so desparate to babysit for cash. DD likes to read them stories etc, but she also hopes to be able to study once they have gone to bed!