Rising numbers of referrals made by NSPCC to agencies in Scotland about children being left home alone
The NSPCC made 18% more referrals to Scottish agencies, including the police and children’s services, following contacts to its Helpline about children being left home alone or unsupervised last year, the charity reports as it offers parents advice with the summer holidays approaching.
In 2025/26 the Helpline, which provides help and advice for adults with concerns about the wellbeing of a child, made 197 referrals in Scotland, compared to 167 in 2024/25.
The service will refer a concern to external agencies if practitioners believe additional support or intervention is deemed necessary.
Contacts to the NSPCC Helpline from adults across the UK who were concerned about a child being left at home alone or unsupervised increased by 11% last year.
The service handled 7,452 contacts about this issue between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, compared to6,719 contacts the previous year (2024/25).
More than two fifths of these contacts (44%) were deemed serious enough for the NSPCC Helpline to make a referral to external agencies. Over a third (35%) of those referrals were made for children aged five and below.
The months with the greatest number of contacts across the UK were July and August, with 793 and 871 contacts respectively. These months can be particularly difficult for parents as they are forced to balance the competing pressures of work and childcare.
With schools across the UK breaking up in the coming weeks for the summer holidays, many adults might feel unsure about whether their child is ready to be left unsupervised or have concerns about another child being left alone.
A mother from Scotland, who contacted the NSPCC Helpline, said: “I am concerned about my children spending time alone at my ex’s house.
“We agreed they would stay with their dad during part of the school holidays, but he frequently leaves them alone even though they’re only 12 and 14 years old. He gives them money for the local shops and leaves for the day, which really worries me.
£I know the state of the house is inappropriate and dangerous. I’ve raised my concerns with him, but he either dismisses them or say he’ll clear the place and find other work that is more flexible.
“I don’t know to do – I don’t want the children to think I’m trying to stop them from seeing their father.”
There is no legal age limit for leaving children, but the NSPCC recommends not leaving a child aged under 12 years old at home alone.
Also, if a child has expressed worries about being left without a parent or carer, those should be taken seriously and respected.
Kam Thandi, Head of the NSPCC’s Helpline, said: “For many parents and carers, the long summer break can be a logistical nightmare, as they try to balance keeping their children safe and cared for with the demands of work.
“Managing these pressures may lead some to consider whether leaving their child at home alone is a practical solution.
“Even for children aged 12 and over, it’s important to make sure they feel confident about being left by themselves, and to agree in advance what they will be doing while the parent or carer is away and what they should do if anything goes wrong.
“Parents and carers can also turn to the NSPCC Helpline and website for a wide range of expert advice, information and support.”
For parents and carers of young people who are ready to remain at home unsupervised, the NSPCC has prepared advice.
Tips for parents and carers considering leaving their child alone
- Being left on their own for the first time can feel just as daunting for a young person as it does for you as a parent or carer leaving them. To prepare them, it can help to talk through different situations they might face and how to handle them – for example, would they know what to do if someone knocked at the door.
- Make sure they have key phone numbers written down, including the emergency services and trusted contacts like family or friends, in case they’re unable to contact you or they face an emergency.
- Agree in advance what they will be doing while you are out and be clear about any rules or limits – for example, cooking can be risky and should only be done by an older child.
- As a carer or parent, you should make it clear what time you expect to be back, keeping your child informed if plans change, and check in with them regularly.
- Being left at home alone can be a significant adjustment, depending on the child. It is best to start with short periods – around 20 minutes – and gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable and confident.
Further advice on leaving children home alone can be found on the NSPCC website, as well as a quiz to assess if a child is ready to be left unsupervised.
Adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk.
Childline is available for young people via phone on 0800 1111 and online, offering a 1-2-1 chat on the website.
