Leaving a teenager at home while you work

S

shootingstar

Registered User
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634
Hi...

What is the legal age to leave your children at home during the summer months alone while you work? Example 13 year old staying home alone from 8.30am to 6pm 5 days a week

This was mentioned a few minutes ago in the office. One of the dads here thinks its ok....
 
Believe it or not, I think there is actually no legal minimum in law - but maybe someone can confirm this.

I think bodies like the ISPCC for example usually cite 14 years as a minimum age to be 'home alone' for an extended period and 12 years of age for shorter periods - all a bit vague.
 
I believe that it could only be answered by knowing the child in question. Some 13 year-olds will be fine and responsible, whereas others can't be trusted to not burn the house down.
 
theres no child in question. It was just a conversation that came up in the office this morning.
 
shootingstar said:
latchkey?
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Latchkey kid
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Latchkey kid or latchkey child refers to a child who returns from school to an empty home because his or her parents are away at work, or a child who is often left at home with little or no parental supervision.
 
'Laticho' and 'latchkey kid'? No correlation I think. My Dad used the expression 'laticho' and probably before 'latchkey kids' came into vogue.

laticho = idiot. on the gur = out all night. dosser = down on his luck. Paddy know all = bloke who knows everything. Mary banger = girl with no dress sense ...
www.hidden-dublin.com/sayings/sayings07.html
 
I hate the idea of a 13 year old being in the house all day on their own. If it was my child I would try and organise activities in area or ensure they are with someone (Grandparent, cousin, etc). As another poster said, all kids vary - some responsible, some not. Would be a judgement call I suppose on parents part.
 
I think there is actually no legal minimum in law
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This is correct, there is no legal minimum at which you can leave a child alone in this country. If anything untoward were to happen however, parents could be open to charges of neglect.
 
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