Question:

Is it OK to leave an eight year old at home alone during the day in the UK?

by Guest61986  |  earlier

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He is very mature for his age.

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  1. Are you kidding?  This is not legal before the kids are 12.


  2. Ach my God are you serious

    It isn't ok to leave an 8 year old alone all day ANYWHERE

    Its child abuse

  3. i have an 8 year old and wouldn't leave her alone at home, and i don't think it is legal either

  4. I wouldn't. I was 11 when my parents started letting me stay home alone

  5. Yeah! It's legal if you want to get done for child neglect - don't be so irresponsible - what's your name, McCann

  6. no, thats only legal in portugal.

  7. No, anything could happen what if somebody broke in?

  8. No.

    The kid can get hurt without an adult

    Hire a babysitter or find someone to watch him

  9. Thats too young to leave an eight year old at home. In the US you have to be 12 years old to stay by yourself all day.  

  10. Well, I don't know about the legal aspects of that in the UK.

    But, it really depends on how well your child's maturity level is.

    However, if there happened to be any sort of accident, I believe you could be held liable and child protective services would certainly step in and question your parenting ability.

    Is it worth risking?

  11. It's not illegal, but it's very irresponsible. What if there was a fire or the child cut themselves or fell down the stairs?

  12. There is no legal age limit for leaving a child on their own, but it is an offence to leave a child alone if it places them at risk. Parents can be prosecuted for neglect if they leave a child unsupervised ‘in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health’ (Children and Young Person’s Act).


  13. There is a law saying that you can't leave an eight year old at home alone but, i wouldn't recommend it she is only eight

    think of all the bad things that could happen for e.g

    she could get her shirt caught on the gas handle on your cooker and she wouldn't notice, or she could be walking down the stairs then fall over

    so i wouldn't say its OK

  14. no! I'm not sure if it is legal because i don't live in the UK

    but if you have to tell the neighbors, lock all the doors and windows and tell him or her not to answer the phone if it rings and make sure he or she knows your mobile number, the neighbors numbers and how to call the emergency number

  15. no lol.... 14, but you can leave an 8 year old in with a 14 year old....

  16. Strangely enough there is no legal age in the U.K

    The actual law states that a parent/carer can be prosecuted for neglect leaving a child unsupervised ' In a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health'. (young persons act)

    Go to Direct-Gov for more information

  17. NO its not ok to leave an 8 year old anywhere alone.

  18. It's not illegal according to the NSPCC but really at 8 years old I think it's too young. Even though he maybe mature for his age, if a situation should occur, he might panic and not be able to deal with it. Even adults sometimes can't deal with surprise situations so an 8 year old is highly unlikely to act responsibly! Just to be on the safe side, I'd wait a few years.

  19. Officially, the law in UK states that no child under 7 years old can be left home alone.  So the answer to your question is yes.  Whether you want to or not is really a matter for you.

  20. I dont think so.  Eight years old is pretty young, I mean you pretty much don't even know whats going on.  You don't have cognitive thinking where you can make judgement calls and stuff in that area.  I feel bad for you if your in a tought situation and have to work and etc.  My mom started leaving us on our own when we were about 11 and it worked out alrite but at the same we caused a lot of h**l but were pretty much responsible.

  21. No Ure not.....There 2 young...

    U can wen there lyke 10 11, and they can babysit other kids at the age of 14.

    But 8 iss wayyyyyy 2 young.

  22. No, if you need to ask this, it shows you have doubts about it yourself.

    Please don't do it, as many others have said, what if there's a fire or other dangerous situation while you're out?

  23. Well, I dont know about the UK, but I can tell you what happened to a neighbor once.  They left their 8 or 9 year old kid at home with his little brother in their mobile home.  Oh, and there were some fireworks in the house.  The kids decided to play with the fireworks.  In the house.  The home burnt to the ground.

    Still want to leave an 8 year old at home alone?

  24. No of course it's not ok. He may be mature for his age, but could he deal with a fire or an intruder?  I don't think so.

    Maj

  25. leaving an eight year old home alone in any country should be illegal.It doesn't matter if it is day or night, I can't believe any adult would feel comfortable to leave an eight year old home alone. if your contemplating this action please re think!

  26. I dont think it would be legal no. it would be regarded as neglect.

    However how about if its moral?? the answers still no!

    If you cant find somebody trustworthy and safe to look after the child then dont go out.

    That child is whoever the parent/careers responsibility and they shouldn't be allowed to to have vhildren if they are willing to do that.

  27. Why would you ever want to leave a child at home on there own.

    That's really stupid, and yes it's illegal, what if they hurt themselves?

  28. I looked it up on the NSPCC site and there are apparently no set rules for this. They say to use your discretion. Legally, that may be another issue. As a parent of a 6 and 10 year old, I've been wondering the same thing. I'd say never leave a child alone if they're under 11 and if there is a responsible older child around, an 8 year old is okay for a while.

  29. Legally no, if anything were to happen to him (something could happen no matter if 8 or 16), the only difference is as he is 8 you would be prosecuted.  If you are worried about daycare over hols then look into daycamps, council 1s are quite cheap plus tax credits may be able to help you out with costs over holidays, as I know from experience can be expensive. xx

  30. No way i live in the u.k and i am sure the law says you have to be at least twelve to be left on your own, and only for a short while and 14 to look after others. 8 is way to young!


  31. No its wrong both legally and morally, and if you know someone who is doing it i'd advise you to report it. Anything could happen
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