Leaving a teenager at home while you work

[shootingstar]

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....

 

[Caveat]

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.

 

[ClubMan]

Anything useful ?

 

[rmelly]

would he/she be a latchkey kid/child?

 

[Taliesen]

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.

 

[shootingstar]

would he/she be a latchkey kid/child?

latchkey?

 

[shootingstar]

theres no child in question. It was just a conversation that came up in the office this morning.

 

[steph1]

latchkey?

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.

 

[Taliesen]

So that's probably the origin of Latchico

 

[DavyJones]

So that's probably the origin of Latchico

Ha ha, used to work in a bar as a teenager and the boss used to call us that all the time. knew it wasn't a good thing but never knew exactly what it meant till now.

 

[Deirdra]

'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

 

[steph1]

Mary banger = girl with no dress sense ...

 

[DeeFox]

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.

 

[Thirsty]

I think there is actually no legal minimum in law

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.