No legal age for leaving children home aloneThere’s no one law in Australia that says how old your child has to be before you can leave them alone. Show In Queensland, if you leave a child under 12 years of age for an unreasonable amount of time without supervision and care, you have committed a criminal offence. But the legislation also says that whether the time is unreasonable depends on all the relevant circumstances. Elsewhere in Australia, the law says you’re legally obliged to make sure that your child is safe and that your child’s needs are met. You can be charged with an offence if your child is left in a dangerous situation, not fed, clothed or provided with accommodation. The police or child protection services can remove children from situations where they’re at risk of serious harm. This means that you need to use your own judgment about leaving children home alone. This involves thinking about whether your child could cope if something happened while you were out or you weren’t able to get back. For example, it’s never safe to leave a baby or toddler home alone. But you might feel OK leaving a pre-teen child alone for half an hour if they can follow household safety rules and know who to contact in an emergency. Even if your child is mature enough to be home alone, you’re still responsible for their wellbeing and safety at all times. The following websites have state-specific information on leaving children home alone. Australian Capital Territory New South
Wales Northern Territory Queensland
South Australia Tasmania Victoria Western Australia
A common question asked by many parents is: "At what age can my children be left at home by themselves?”. What does the law sayThe law provides no clear direction as to what age a child can be left at home alone and so as a parent you need to use your own judgement based on your own family circumstances and the age and maturity of your children. Although in many cultures it's usual for children to care for brothers and sisters, in Australia the law says that it's the parents responsibility - and legal obligation - to ensure their children are safe and properly looked after. Leaving older siblings in chargeWhen a child or young person under the age of 18 such as an older brother, sister or teenage friend cares for children, the question of negligence or liability could arise. If something goes wrong then a parent may be held responsible not only for their children but also for the carer aged under 18. For these reasons, it's better if carers are adults. A person who's still legally a child would not be judged against the standards of responsibility expected of adults. When you have no choiceIf you have no choice, it's important that the child left in charge:
The oldest child is not necessarily the most capable to care for others. Setting clear rulesIt's important to be clear about what children can and cannot do during your absence. These rules may differ for those minding your children from the rules that apply when you're at home and in charge. For example, making a hot drink, turning on the heater, running the bath or using the toaster may seem like simple tasks when you're there but may not be allowed when you’re away. How long will you be away?Will it be for a few minutes, an hour, a morning or a full day? How long you are going to be away will make a difference to what you decide to do. You need to think about the age of your children, how they feel about being left alone and most importantly, how capable they are. Babies and toddlers have a different sense of time from adults. An hour is not long for an adult but to your toddler it's endless and could cause distress. Babies or toddlers should not be left at home alone under any circumstances no matter how short a time. Teenagers, on the other hand, might ask you to let them stay home alone. This is a normal part of adolescence when young people are trying to feel more independent. Once again, the age and maturity of your child will make a difference. For example, you may feel very confident in a 13-year-old child that you know is very responsible but quite worried about a 16-year-old you're concerned may take risks. Here is a checklist you can use to ensure your children know what they can and can’t do and how to deal with emergency situations while you're out. Do your children know:
These tips have been adapted from ‘Home Alone’, Parenting magazine 6-12 years. NSW Department of Community Services. 1999. Copyright (c) Parenting SA, Government of South Australia (1996). Can I leave my 9 year old at home alone?What does the law say. The law provides no clear direction as to what age a child can be left at home alone and so as a parent you need to use your own judgement based on your own family circumstances and the age and maturity of your children.
What age can children be left home alone WA?No legal age for leaving children home alone
There's no one law in Australia that says how old your child has to be before you can leave him alone.
What is the youngest age to stay home alone?Some parents look to the law for help in deciding when it is appropriate to leave a child home alone. Only three States currently have laws regarding a minimum age for leaving a child home alone: Illinois, 14 years old; Maryland, 8 years old; and Oregon, 10 years old.
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