In 2020/21, the Helpline received over 6,000 contacts about children left without adult supervision, and the cost-of-living crisis is expected to put more pressure on families this summer.
Each year it's the summer months that see the highest number of calls to our Helpline from adults concerned about children left unsupervised, peaking during the school summer holidays. We expect to see another spike in contacts regarding children left home alone or out alone this summer.
It can be difficult for working parents to manage the 6-week school break, and between work, appointments and other family commitments, every parent is likely to leave their child home alone at some point. But we’re urging parents and carers to think carefully about leaving children home alone or unsupervised as the summer holidays start in England and Wales.
While there’s no legal age a child can be left home alone, as every child matures differently, it is against the law to leave a child alone if it puts them at risk. If your child doesn’t feel comfortable, they shouldn’t be left home alone.
As children get older, it’s common for them to want more freedom and learn to be independent. This is an important part of growing up, but there can be a lot to think about for parents.
Take the Home Alone quiz to see if your child is ready to stay home alone
During the pandemic, we saw a big increase in the number of adults contacting our Helpline about children left alone, receiving 6,017 contacts in 2020/21. This was an increase of a fifth when compared to the previous year.
One reason for this increase could have been due to more people working from home who became more aware of their neighbours and what was happening with the people around them.
