Expert shares right age to leave kids home alone during school holidays

Every child develops differently. Some are always more grown-up than others, even at a young age, while others may have individual needs and anxieties specific to them.

That's why experts have warned there is no "one size fits all" approach to when the right time is to leave youngsters at home on their own.

There are other factors involved too, including how long they'll be on their own. Popping out to the shop for five minutes is very different from leaving them for a whole day.

And then there's the question faced by all parents at some point on whether it's acceptable to leave a acceptable to leave a responsible child or teenager home alone overnight. Fortunately, an expert has provided clarity on this matter.

The NSPCC stated online that any youngster who "isn't old enough or who doesn't feel comfortable should never be left home alone".

However, parents might be surprised to discover the charity also said there's "no legal age a child can be left home alone". However, there is a significant caveat to this - it remains against the law to leave a child alone "if it puts them at risk," reports the Mirror. On their website, the NSPCC says: "Every child matures differently, so it would be almost impossible to have a 'one size fits all' law."

While parents might believe their older children and teenagers would be fine left unattended during the day, what about if they need to work a night shift or attending a wedding celebration? Again, there's no law in the UK stating an age threshold for leaving your child or children home alone - whether during the day or overnight. The NSPCC anticipates an increase in adults reaching out to their helpline during July and August as worried parents seek guidance.

Whilst the Government advises parents to use their discretion when deciding whether to leave children unattended at home, it also warns that adults could face prosecution if a child is left "in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health".

Nevertheless, the NSPCC offers guidance, stating that youngsters under 12 years of age "should never" be left home unattended - and any small child under three is not deemed safe to leave alone - even briefly.

There are factors to weigh up, particularly before potentially leaving a child home alone overnight - does the youngster feel secure and at ease, and are there protective measures in place?

Would they be capable of reaching out and managing in a crisis and understand what steps to take? This remains a question for the parent to determine.

Unforeseen circumstances must be taken into account, and, if they've never been left unattended for even a couple of hours, leaving them alone overnight might prove overwhelming.

A specialist discussed the matter with Yahoo News, with Gail Sayles, NSPCC local campaigns manager, explaining: "Even if they're up for the independence of being left home alone, to wake up when there isn't an adult in the house can be really daunting.

"Emergency services numbers are a must as well as a safety plan for anything worrying - and speak to your teenager about their feelings on being home alone.

"Be aware of teenagers taking it as an opportunity to try alcohol or drugs (in some cases) and make sure there are clear boundaries in place."

For further guidance, parents can visit the NSPCC website. The NSPCC also offers a support service, so parents should not hesitate to reach out for advice on their family situations.