At some point, every parent decides to leave their child home alone for the first time. Whether it’s a quick trip to the store or working during after-school hours, parents must ensure that their child possesses the necessary skills and maturity to handle the situation safely.
Most states’ laws do not designate a minimum age when a child can be left alone. In most states, the law leaves it to the parents to determine when their children are mature and responsible enough to stay home alone.
Tim’s Legal Tip: It’s important to note that the absence of a defined age does not prevent parents from potential legal consequences if any child is harmed while home alone. Make sure your child is mature enough to stay at home alone and prepared for any and all emergencies.
While looking to the law is usually a good idea for guidance, it is not very helpful for determining the age a child can stay home alone. Currently, only three States have laws regarding a minimum age for leaving a child home alone. Those States are:
- Illinois, 14 years old.
- Maryland, 8 years old
- Oregon, 10 years old. — Child Welfare Information Gateway.
Commonly Accepted Ages When A Child Can Stay Home Alone
| Age 7 & Under | Should Not Be Left Home Alone For Any Period of Time |
| 8-10 Years Old | Should Not Be Left Home Alone For More Than 1 and 1/2 Hours At a Time and Only During Daylight and Early Evening Hours |
| 11-12 Years Old | May Be Left Home Alone for Up To 3 Hours, But Not Late At Night |
| 13-15 Years Old | May Be Left Unsupervised, But Not Overnight |
| 16-17 Years Old | May Be Left Unsupervised, But Not Over 2 Consecutive Overnight Periods |
Things To Consider Before Leaving Your Child Home Alone
Before leaving a child home alone, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Age and Maturity Of Your Child
Evaluate your child’s age, maturity level, and ability to handle responsibilities independently. Younger children may require more supervision and support compared to older ones.
2. Legal Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with the legal requirements and guidelines set by your local government or child protective services regarding the minimum age for leaving a child home alone. Remember, in Illinois child must be 14 years old. In Maryland child must be 8 years old. And, in Oregon, children must be 10 years old before they are left home alone.
Most States, through their child welfare agencies, offer nonbinding guidelines for parents that can help them decide when it is safe to leave a child home alone. To access your state’s local family services office, click here.
3. Readiness and Comfort
Assess your child’s readiness and comfort level with being alone. Some children may feel anxious or scared when left alone, while others may be more independent and self-assured.
4. Safety Knowledge and Skills
Ensure your child understands safety measures, such as knowing how to lock and unlock doors, operate home security systems, and follow emergency procedures. Teach them about potential hazards and how to handle them responsibly.
5. Communication
Establish clear communication channels with your child. Provide them with emergency contact numbers, including your own, trusted neighbors, and local authorities. Discuss how to reach you and when to contact you in case of emergencies or concerns.
6. The Duration and Circumstances
Consider the length of time your child will be alone and the specific circumstances. Leaving a child alone for a short period, such as running a quick errand, may be different from leaving them alone for an extended duration.
7. Home Environment
Evaluate the safety of your home environment. Ensure that it is secure, with functioning locks on doors and windows. Remove any potential hazards or dangerous items that may pose risks to your child.
8. Neighbors and Support Network
Take into account the proximity and availability of trusted neighbors or family members who can provide assistance or support if needed.
9. Practice and Gradual Transition
Before leaving a child alone for an extended period, gradually increase their independence and alone time. Start with shorter durations and gradually build up their confidence and capabilities.
Remember that these considerations are general guidelines, and using your judgment as a parent or guardian is essential based on your child’s unique circumstances and needs. Regularly reassess your child’s readiness and make adjustments accordingly.
20 Safety Tips To Make Sure Your Child is Safe When Home Alone
If you believe your child is ready for this responsibility, here are some general safety tips to consider:
1. Memorize Important Personal Information
If you’re leaving your child home alone, it is highly recommended that they memorize their full name, address, and phone number. Knowing this information is important for their safety and can be crucial in case of emergencies or if they need to seek help.
2. Establish Ground Rules
Communicate your expectations and rules to your child regarding safety, behavior, and activities while they are home alone. Make sure they understand and agree to follow these rules.
3. Emergency Contacts
Provide your child with a list of emergency contact numbers, including your own, a trusted neighbor, and emergency services (such as police and fire department). Make sure your child knows when and how to use these numbers.
4. Neighbors and Nearby Adults
Introduce your child to trusted neighbors or nearby adults who can provide assistance or support in case of an emergency. Make sure your child knows how to approach them if needed.
5. Safe Entry and Exit
Teach your child how to securely lock and unlock doors and windows. Emphasize the importance of keeping doors locked and not opening the door to strangers.
6. Home Security
Teach your child to use the security system, if you have one, and how to properly secure the house. Show them how to activate alarms and explain any security measures you have in place.
7. Fire Safety
Review fire safety procedures with your child, including the importance of smoke detectors, evacuation routes, and knowing how to call for help in case of a fire. Make sure they understand the dangers of playing with fire or electrical appliances.
8. Hazard Awareness
Point out potential hazards in the house, such as kitchen appliances, sharp objects, cleaning supplies, or electrical outlets. Teach your child how to use these items safely and what to do in case of an accident.
9. Internet Safety
If your child has access to the internet while home alone, educate them about online safety, including the importance of not sharing personal information, avoiding suspicious websites, and reporting any concerning online interactions.
10. Activites and Chores to Do
Give your child a schedule of chores or a list of activities to keep them occupied while home alone. Encourage them to engage in productive and safe activities, such as homework, reading, hobbies, or age-appropriate games.
11. Regular Check-ins
Establish a routine for check-ins with your child while they are home alone. This could include phone calls, video chats, or text messages to ensure their well-being and provide an opportunity for them to ask questions or share any concerns.
12. Have a Designated Safe House
Having a designated safe house can be a wise precaution if you’re leaving your child home alone. A safe house can provide your child with a nearby location to seek help in case of an emergency.
13. Don’t Tell People You Are Home Alone on Social Media
It is crucial for your child’s safety not to disclose on social media or video games that they are home alone. Sharing this information publicly can put your child at risk by making them a target for individuals with malicious intent.
14. Can Friends Come Over?
Allowing your child to have friends over while they are home alone is a decision that should be made carefully, taking into consideration their age, maturity level, and your comfort level as a parent. Make sure your child knows whether they can have friends over or not.
15. Don’t Answer The Door For Strangers
Not answering the door for strangers is an essential safety rule to reinforce with your child when they are home alone.
16. Remove or Lock Up Guns, Ammunition & Other Dangerous Items
Ensuring the proper storage and securing of potentially dangerous items like guns, ammunition, knives, razors, and other sharp objects is crucial for your child’s safety when they are home alone.
17. Have a Fire Plan
Having a fire plan and ensuring that smoke detectors are working properly are critical safety measures when leaving your child home alone.
18. Secure and Lock up All Medications and Poisons
Taking precautions regarding poisons and medications is vital to ensure your child’s safety when they are home alone. Make Sure all poisons and medications are labeled are securely locked up.
19. Have a First Aid Kit
Having a well-stocked first aid kit is an important safety measure when your child is home alone. It allows them to address minor injuries and provide initial care while waiting for further assistance.
20. Have a Working Flashlight
Make sure you have a working flashlight with fresh batteries available for your children in the event of a power outage.
FAQs
Q. Can I leave my 12 year old home alone?
In most states, there are no specific laws that dictate a minimum age for children to stay home alone. However, some jurisdictions may provide guidelines or recommendations. Only 3 states have laws on the minimum age a child can stay home alone: Illinois, 14 years old; Maryland, 8 years old; and Oregon, 10 years old.
Q. Can I leave my 11 year old home alone?
In most states, there are no specific laws that dictate a minimum age for children to stay home alone. However, some jurisdictions may provide guidelines or recommendations. Only 3 states have laws on the minimum age a child can stay home alone: Illinois, 14 years old; Maryland, 8 years old; and Oregon, 10 years old.
Q. Can I leave my 10 year old home alone?
In most states, there are no specific laws that dictate a minimum age for children to stay home alone. However, some jurisdictions may provide guidelines or recommendations. Only 3 states have laws on the minimum age a child can stay home alone: Illinois, 14 years old; Maryland, 8 years old; and Oregon, 10 years old.
The guidelines for 10 year olds recommend that they may should not be left home alone for more than 1 and 1/2 hours, during daylight and early evening hours.
Q. Can I leave my 9 year old home alone?
In most states, there are no specific laws that dictate a minimum age for children to stay home alone. However, some jurisdictions may provide guidelines or recommendations. Only 3 states have laws on the minimum age a child can stay home alone: Illinois, 14 years old; Maryland, 8 years old; and Oregon, 10 years old.
The guidelines for 9 year olds recommend that they may should not be left home alone for more than 1 and 1/2 hours, during daylight and early evening hours.
Q. Can I leave my 8 year old home alone?
In most states, there are no specific laws that dictate a minimum age for children to stay home alone. However, some jurisdictions may provide guidelines or recommendations. Only 3 states have laws on the minimum age a child can stay home alone: Illinois, 14 years old; Maryland, 8 years old; and Oregon, 10 years old.
The guidelines for 8 year olds recommend that they may should not be left home alone for more than 1 and 1/2 hours, during daylight and early evening hours.
Q. Can I leave my 7 year old home alone?
In most states, there are no specific laws that dictate a minimum age for children to stay home alone. However, some jurisdictions may provide guidelines or recommendations. Only 3 states have laws on the minimum age a child can stay home alone: Illinois, 14 years old; Maryland, 8 years old; and Oregon, 10 years old.
The guidelines for 7 year olds recommend that they should not be left home alone for any period of time.
Q. Can I leave my 6 year old home alone?
In most states, there are no specific laws that dictate a minimum age for children to stay home alone. However, some jurisdictions may provide guidelines or recommendations. Only 3 states have laws on the minimum age a child can stay home alone: Illinois, 14 years old; Maryland, 8 years old; and Oregon, 10 years old.
The guidelines for 6 year olds recommend that they should not be left home alone for any period of time.
Q. Can I leave my 5 year old home alone?
In most states, there are no specific laws that dictate a minimum age for children to stay home alone. However, some jurisdictions may provide guidelines or recommendations. Only 3 states have laws on the minimum age a child can stay home alone: Illinois, 14 years old; Maryland, 8 years old; and Oregon, 10 years old.
The guidelines for 5 year olds recommend that they should not be left home alone for any period of time.
What To Read Next
- How to Make an Anonymous Child Protective Services Report
- 12 Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with Child Protective Services