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agius1520
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The general consensus is about 11 although there is no legal age written in law.
However, parents commit an offence if leaving the child at home alone puts him or her at risk. |
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Natty-Lea
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Being left home for just an hour or so on her own shouldn't cause too many problems. As long as she knows not to let strangers into the house or anything silly like that. It's also good for her to have a phone number handy that she knows she can call anytime - just in case she's worried about something or has a question to ask. Most 12 year old's seem to be smart enough. :-) |
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ladybugewa
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I did the same thing when I was 12, only by that time I was expected to also start dinner for us. My parents were working very hard at the time, and I was mature enough to help out. |
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pirate_princess
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Overprotective, yes.
Nice to know that people still care though. |
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soberphobe
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the NSPCC guidelines stipulate no actual age limit for children to be left alone, as long as its for a 'reasonable' amount of time and a 'reasonable' cause. i looked into it a couple of years ago because i too have to let my child sit alone on occasion whilst i work. a couple of hours while a parent is at work is reasonable as long as the child can be trusted and has phone numbers etc in an emergency. dont worry, the child probably thrives on the chill-out time between school and parents coming home. |
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fairy_gdmthr
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12 yrs is fine for a year the mother must think the child is responsible other wise she wouldnt do it.the child is almost teenager |
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ll_jenny_ll here
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It's probably not really relevant to what you are asking specifically .... BUT
When I was twelve... I started baby-sitting.
It wasn't until i was the parent of a twelve year old where i really thought about what could have been possible consequences of that.
No way would I allow a twelve year old to baby-sit.. However...I believe a twelve year old would be perfectly safe to be left alone for an hour (mind you i do take into account that I live in a small country town, with a near non-existant crime rate AND my daughter was an extremely responsible level headed twelve year old.... still is responsible and level headed at 15.. SO ...if where your cousin lives is not so safe .. I would understand your reluctance.)
a friend of mine comes from Paisley and she says now that it is the drug and crime capital of Scotland.. so if your cousin lives there..I also wouldn't like my child alone.
But to answer your question, or to help you find an answer, may i suggest you place an annoymous call (NOT to inform on your cousin) but to make an enquirey re the legality of it. |
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Roxy.
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Hi, I'm pretty sure its ok at that age. Sorry, I know that's not what you want to hear, but I think your worrying a wee bit too much and unless the girl is a very young 12 year old and likely to harm herself an hour is not really that long. But if your worried then I'm sure that your local Citizens Advice will know the law about this. |
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the_lizard_king_lives
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alas, lass, there is no law to that effect |
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honourableone
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There is nothing legally wrong about leaving a 12 year old child on their own, most children go out playing by the age of 10. Yes you are being too protective, this isnt your child, you live along way away and it is the parents choice. I would have hated to have you as my mother, I dont mean to sound offensive but i feel that it has to be said. |
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Doethineb
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I think you are being overprotective. When I was that age I would be left to look after my younger brother and sometimes frail elderly relatives and I would have been most indignant had it been suggested that I was too young to be left on my own. A small measure of independence (one hour a day five times a week) will do her no harm. If she has any sense, she'll use it to get on with her homework in peace and quiet. |
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Adam M
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The answers above are correct - there is no black letter law age at which you can leave a child alone - see the link below where the central scotland police confirm that.
Common sense dictates that a child who can't look after themselves shouldn't be left alone. And children who can should only be left on their own for a short amount of time, until they get used to it - gradually building up their responsibility and the parents trust in them.
It's all down to what your cousin thinks is best. I think it's wonderful that you care so much, so few people actually seem to these days :) My mum started to leave me on my own while she nipped to the shops (5mins away) about 11ish, and then I'd be home while she was at work for about the same length of time as you say. I used to lvoe the hour to myself, made me feel like I was all grown up being in charge of the house! Definitely made me feel responsible I think.
Maybe have a word with your cousin, but she's definitely not doing anything illegal. However, if she left her alone for a week say. she would have committed an offence under Children and Young Person (Scotland) Act, 1937. Good luck, all the best! |
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Soup Dragon
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Yes you are being overprotective & no it's not illegal. It's only for one hour and surely it's for your cousin to decide if she thinks her daughter is capable and trustworthy enough to be left alone for this short amount of time. |
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frankturk50
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no age in law and 12 years old seems reasonable to take care of themselves you are being over protective unless there are specific instances where the child has been injured or harmed in some way. |
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Dakota Lynn Takes Gun
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I was left home alone at age 9 to watch my younger brother and sisters. By the time I was age 12, I was babysitting for other people. This was in the 1970's when kids behaved and parents had control of their kids and kids of this age were much more mature. Nowdays a 12 year old sometimes acts like a 3 year old due to social workers and their telling parents how to raise children. Might I add most of the social workers I have met are only getting their knowledge from a text book and most are in their early 20's and have never had a child of their own. Anyway, if this 12 year old is responsible then she should be alright alone. I am happy to see that her mother has raised her to be this responsible. |
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carolus
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They say age 12 is one of danger! |
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bob p
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its suprising to see people in the UK that care about their kids. I've seen mothers with like five kids, letting toddlers run around playing near and in the busy streets while the mother barely has any clue to whats going on because she's pregnant with two infants on her arm and she's trying to watch three other toddlers...ive seen that more than once in the UK...fun stuff |
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suzannels74
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agius is correct. They can be found negligent if the child was deemed at risk. It is a difficult one as at 12 they are pretty good but if there was a fire or someone came to the door they didn't know - would they handle it like an adult or a 12 yr old? Given that even adults can panic in difficult situations yours is not an overprotective reaction. |
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