Dear Editor,
During the October holidays, many families across Scotland will be weighing up childcare options and wondering whether their children are ready to be left home alone.
There’s no legal minimum age for a child to stay at home or go out alone, and it’s common for parents to contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice. Every child is different, and between work and other responsibilities, it’s understandable that parents may need to consider this decision.
It’s not always easy to know what’s best, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Very young children, especially those under three, should never be left alone – not even briefly while popping to the shops or leaving them in the car. For older children, we wouldn’t recommend leaving anyone under 12 at home alone, especially for long periods.
What matters most is how your child feels. If they’re anxious or unsure, they shouldn’t be left by themselves – even if they’re older.
Feeling safe and confident is key, and they need to know what to do in an emergency. Talking things through can help you understand their concerns and decide if they’re ready.
To support families, the NSPCC has created online checklists to help guide these decisions. And for children who need someone to talk to, Childline is available 24/7.
They can speak to a trained counsellor for free by calling 0800 1111 or using the 1-2-1 chat at www.childline.org.uk.
Yours sincerely,
Carla Malseed
NSPCC Scotland Local Campaigns Manager
Happy October Hols! 