age of child home alone after school

mamawitch1 · Apr 19, 2007, 02:50 PM

It is my understanding that there is no age limit of how old a child can be to go home after school in New York state.That it is at the parents discretion. Is this true? the child in question will be eleven in 3 weeks. Can the school decide? thank-you

rkelley3 · May 31, 2008, 05:22 AM

There are very few states in the U.S. with legal minimum ages, but many state agencies have published guidelines (NH, Illinois, Maryland and Oregon are a few of the states with very specific ages). Typically 8 year olds and over can be left at home for up to several hours (usually after school before a parent gets home from work).

12 years old appears to be the most common recommendation. Home Alone Children Age Limits provides a state by state comparison.

rkelley3 · May 31, 2008, 05:30 AM

There are very few states in the U.S. with legal minimum ages, but many state agencies have published guidelines (NH, Illinois, Maryland and Oregon are a few of the states with very specific ages). Typically 8 year olds and over can be left at home for up to several hours (usually after school before a parent gets home from work).

12 years old appears to be the most common recommendation. Latchkey Kids Age Restrictions provides a state by state comparison.



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