The NSPCC has urged parents to think carefully about whether to leave their child at home alone during the summer holidays.

The charity is receiving more calls in the summer holidays about children being left at home alone and neglected.

For working parents, school holidays will be particularly difficult this year as money is tight and childcare prices are at an all-time high.

More than 1,000 people contacted the NSPCC helpline over concerns on children being left unsupervised in July and August 2022, a significant increase on term time.

“Many parents struggle with finding the right time to leave their child home alone for the first time,” said Kam Thandi, Head of the NSPCC’s Helpline.

“Every child is different, and the right time will differ for every family,” she added.

Although there is no legal age limit for leaving children alone, the NSPCC and Government are encouraging parents to use their judgement before leaving any child at home alone- especially those under 12 years old. 

When should you NOT leave your child home alone?

Infants and young children aged 0-3 should never be left alone – even for a few minutes.

This includes visiting next door, or leaving your children in the car while running into the shop.

From April 2022 to March 2023 there were 11,428 contacts to the helpline about neglect, where more than 40 per cent (4,717) directly mentioned concerns around a child being left home alone.

The NSPCC are urging parents not to leave their children at home alone unless the child is comfortable.

“It’s crucial that children are involved in the conversation about when they may be ready for this and what they are comfortable with,” said Ms Thandi.

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The NSPCC does not recommend leaving a child under 12 home alone, particularly for longer periods of time.

Although there is no single rule for children aged 12 and above, advice urges parents to be smart – especially if their child has complex needs.

For children who are left at home alone, it is vital that they are given contact numbers for carers, practise emergency situations, and that parents or carers check in with them regularly.

Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online where there is a 121 chat on the Childline website. You can find more information and advice on leaving children home alone on the NSPCC website.