How old should kids be to walk a short distance to shops or school without adult?

Question

How old should kids be to walk a short distance to shops or school without adult?

Answer 1

it really depends where you live.. probably around 14 or older.

Answer 2

I wouldn't say there is a particular age because it depends on the child. If your child is sensible, wary of the roads and not likely to get into trouble with people they may come across on the way then they are ready to go. Personally my little brother use to go up to the local milk bar around the corner about 400 metres from the time he was about 10. Also my partners little brother goes to school about 500 metres down the road and makes his own way there and back each morning and he is 10. But the most important thing is to judge the personality of and individual child rather than put an age limit on it.  

Answer 3

When you know your child fully understands the dangers of traffic, strangers, or other problems that may happen when you are out and about. My son is almost eight and I wouldn't let him go anywhere on his own just because I am a very protective parent. I trust no one! There are so many sickos out there you have to be careful you don't set your child up to get hurt. I think once he starts thinking for himself more and being completly independent on most things and I know he understands time or curfew as well as obeying traffic rules and looking out for other dangerous situations then he is ready for his independence.

Answer 4

18

Answer 5

12

Answer 6

that really depends 3 or 4 blocks sure a mile absolutely not unless they are with and older sibling or are at least 15

Answer 7

It depends on the kid and how aware they are of their surroundings, how they deal with stressful situations, and how they handle themselves in public.

We let our 12 year old walk around the store alone with us there, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with him there alone until he's old enough to drive himself there.

I feel the same about walking to the store or school. When he can drive himself, unless there in a group walking together, then 12-13, but never alone.

Answer 8

Depends how many roads there are etc

If its a relatively safe journey....about 8

No more than about 10 or 11.

Im 15 and I'v been taking the bus into town since I was 9....and walking to school since I was 7.

Answer 9

In my community, the children must be in first grade to walk to the bus stop or walk to school. It would be best to walk in groups, rather alone. Children need their independence as part of their development.  They should be with their peers more often than with parents.  Walking to the bus stop or to school is a step towards independence. It is not good to shield a child all the time. They develop dependency towards you and it is not good for their development in later years.  

Answer 10

This is a difficult one. I have 5 year old twin daughters and I'm already asking myself this question! I think maybe when they reach the age of 12. Although I keep saying I am not going to let my daughters out of the house unsupervised until they are 18!

My friend lets her daughter go out by herself and she is 9. I feel uncomfortable if she is at my house making her walk home alone even though its less that 2 mins walk away. I think she is my responsibility as she has been at my house so I prefer to walk her home.

I won't even let my daughters play in the front garden where I know they can get out of the gate or someone can lift them over the wall and take them. They can play in the back garden with the 6 foot fencing and the gate locked!

I think 12 is maybe ok for them to go short distances to the shops or a friends... but ask me this question again when my daughters are 12!

Answer 11

Usually, my parents drop me off at a mall (friends waiting there) and they let me roam around for a little (3 hours)....I was about 11 when I started to do this. To school, they should take the bus, theres always a risk.

Answer 12

in this day and age - i wouldnt let my child walk to school - quite simply because you dont know who to trust but maybe after 15 is ok - any younger and their a walking target for predators

Look what happened to daniel morcombe - abducted one day and never seen again

Answer 13

depends on how far they would be walking.

If the school they go to is just 1 block away i would let them walk themselves at age 10.

if more them 1 block age 12.

If they want to go to a store like the mall i say age 14.

Answer 14

I'd say 12+. People these days can get creepy on the streets. You should have them take a cell phone, just in case.

Answer 15

You should probably wait until they start middle school, but of course it depends on the child.  Some kids develop a strong sense of independence earlier than that, but many are still naive and incompetent.

Answer 16

With the way things are going nowadays, I don't know!  Would they be walking with a friend, and have a cell phone in case of an emergency?  I would say it depends on the child and their individual maturity level.  Have you had the safety talks?  Have you practiced all of the stuff they need to know?  Maybe 11 or 12, if they are responsible.

Answer 17

depends on neighbourhood,time of day,gender,maturity,it shouldn't be that complicated,but welcome to the 21st century

Answer 18

12 because that when they start middle and i started at 12 but if u dont think so it would be right just to drive them or bus but if their old like in high school i think they can start

Answer 19

13 is minimum but hey i see ppl like about 9 year old

Answer 20

About 7, maybe 8

Answer 21

I was 6......but today..not unless they have Mace, a Big Ole' Crocodile Dundee Knife and/or a GLOCK !...

maybe 14 ?

Answer 22

It depends how safe your area is, how much you trust your children, ect.

Start by walking the distances with them, showing them a safe route, and deciding on what to do if they get lost. Familiarize them with the area. Set up a plan for rain, emergencies, and other things that may happen.

I'd say 9/10.

If it's an around the block distance, 8.

Answer 23

Depends on...

+how busy the roads are.

+if it is on a well lit road that isn't secluded/woodsy

+how high the crime rate is.

+how mature the child is.

Answer 24

12 or 13

Answer 25

15,14 or 13

Answer 26

my son is 12 and i have only started letting him go now by himself because he knows not to try and beat cars to get across the road and to wait at the traffic lights instead of jaywalking, i won't let his 8 year old sister go because she's not as mature to go safely, but i still say to my son don't talk to strangers and always look out for cars.

Answer 27

I was allowed to start biking or walking to school and into town with a friend in 4th grade (age 9) but without a friend I was 11.

Answer 28

11 from the age of 11 and dats it i think he knows wats good n wats bad but u should take him to where he wants to go i mean anything kan happen in this krazy world so if you are his or her mother i think u should talk to hiim or her and explain the situation...!!!!

Answer 29

I honestly believe that it depends on the maturity of the child and the safety of the area.  My son is 9 and walked to school by himself last year and again this year.  We live on a military base and he doesn't have to cross any roads to get to school so I feel entirely comfortable (as does he) with walking by himself.  The other thing, regarding safety, is safety in numbers.  If they have friends that are walking to school and they all walk together that would help as well.

Answer 30

When you reach middle school you should be able to do this things I would say.

10-11-12-13.

Answer 31

Depends on the kid and the area they live in.

If you live in a safe neighborhood, I would let him walk to school whenever he feels that he is ready.  By the time they hit high school, they should be fine even taking a train to school if they need to.

For walking to shops, I would say that unless you are in the next shop over, maybe 5th or 6th grade is about right.  If you are just waiting outside of the shop or are in an adjacent shop, a little younger is fine.