All you need to know on laws and published guidelines
Girl resting in her bedroom (stock)(Image: martin-dm / Getty Images)
We’re in peak party season, and adults across Ireland are in for at least another week and a half of balancing childcare, work, and social events.
Of course, it goes without saying that young children should never be left home alone – but as they age into their teens, a grey area begins to develop, especially as some kids will mature faster than others. This can leave parents unsure of when it’s okay to leave their children home by themselves, and for how long.
Irish law does not define any specific age at which a child can be left home alone. Under the terms of the Children First Act 2015, parents and guardians have a legal duty to ensure the safety and well-being of their child. As such, leaving a child alone without proper supervision can be considered neglect under child protection laws.
However, the Department of Children and Tusla (The Child and Family Agency) have each provided some guidance to help parents who are making this difficult decision. Tusla says children under 14 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for a long period of time, and children under 16 should not be left alone overnight. In addition to this, babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone.
Tusla’s published guidelines on the topic are:
“Most parents or guardians have to spend some time away from their children, whether it’s for longer periods when going to work or shorter periods for social activities. Children must never be left alone, so parents should make arrangements for their child to be cared for by trusted friends or with a childcare service or minder.”
“There is no set age at which it is legal to leave children home alone, as it depends on whether the child is mature enough to be left alone. In Ireland, children under 14 years of age are not seen to be mature enough to be left alone or unsupervised.”
Tusla advises parents to assess a child’s maturity, ability to follow the rules, and handle emergencies before deciding to leave them alone, adding: “For older teenagers, it is the decision of the parent or guardian, based on the child, their level of maturity and their living circumstances. “
For the party season, we revisited some guidance issued by the child and family agency to assist parents in making informed decisions during the holidays. Children mature at different ages, but the following is a rough guide to when children can stay home alone according to Tulsa.
Can I leave my baby home alone?
No, not even for a few minutes.
Can I leave my older child home alone?
It is recommended that children under the age of 14 years old should not be left home alone for more than a very short time.
Can I leave my teenager home alone?
Teenagers over the age of 16 can be left home alone.
They also advise that if a child is left alone and unsupervised, particularly in group settings, and there are any concerns around this, then in these circumstances Tusla social workers may intervene to address these concerns and support the family.
While the Department of Children and Youth Affairs advises:
“The age at which a child can be left unattended is not specified by legislation. The decision on whether or not it is advisable to leave a child unattended is a matter for their parents or guardians, as it will entail consideration of the maturity and capacity of each individual child.”
However they added: “Children who are frequently left alone without adequate care or supervision may be suffering from neglect. Under the Children First Act 2015, mandated persons who believe that a child is being neglected to the point that their health, development or welfare is being seriously affected have a statutory obligation to report these concerns to Tusla, Child and Family Agency.”
To aid parents and guardians contemplating whether to leave their older children unattended at home or let them venture out alone over the summertime, there are some helpful points for parents to consider.
1. Are they prepared to be left home alone?
Assess how your child may manage without supervision and consider how they might react in emergencies.
2. Undertake prudent measures.
Before you decide to leave your child alone at home, ensure you take sensible steps, such as providing a spare set of keys and making sure they have access to food and the bathroom.
3. Never leave babies or toddlers unattended.
It is an absolute necessity to never leave babies and very young children unattended. This applies whether they are asleep or awake.
4. Be informed about their unsupervised outings.
It’s crucial for parents to know where their child is going, what they’ll be doing, who they’ll be with, and how far they’re travelling when they head out unsupervised. Having this information helps parents “make the right decision.”
5. Ensure they have essential contact numbers.
Parents should make sure their child has the phone number of a parent or carer and knows of a reliable adult nearby they can approach in case of an emergency when staying home alone.
6. Prepare your child for various situations.
Engage your child in conversations about potential scenarios they might face and discuss safety strategies, asking them to consider their possible reactions and feelings in those situations, for example if they hurt themselves or someone they don’t know comes to the do.
7. Set boundaries.
It’s crucial to set clear boundaries for your child when they’re unsupervised, whether at home or out by themselves. This ensures that both you and your child are on the same page regarding expected behaviour in your absence.
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