With summer break just days away and classrooms about to empty across Alabama, parents are weighing a big decision: whether their kids are ready, and legally, allowed to stay home alone while they’re at work.
While every child matures at a different pace, what are the guidelines, or grey areas, for leaving kids home unsupervised? Here’s what we know:
Is it legal to leave my child home alone in Alabama?
Alabama doesn’t set a specific age for when kids can be left home alone, so the decision is largely up to parents’ judgment.
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If you’re considering leaving your child home alone, the key question is simple: “Is my child mature enough to handle it?” It ultimately all comes down to their level of maturity.
Although no law is currently in place, there is guidance to help parents decide when their child is truly ready to be home alone.
Expert advice on when kids can stay home alone
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents wait until age 11, saying younger children are typically unprepared to handle emergencies independently. The AAP also suggests starting with short trial runs and setting clear rules, like whether friends can come over and what to do if a stranger knocks or something seems wrong when they enter the door.
Before staying home, a child should also be able to handle basic tasks and access a phone in an emergency. They should also know essential details like your phone number, home address and access codes, just in case they need to call 911.
Other essential factors to consider include whether your child will be watching younger siblings, if they can follow safety rules and what the emergency plan looks like.
As a parent, checking in, whether by phone or having a neighbor stop by, can help assess how your child manages independently.
Alabama child neglect laws: what to know and when to report it
Child neglect laws in Alabama state that neglect includes failing to provide necessities like food, medical treatment, clothing or shelter. However, like most states, if a child is harmed or injured while unsupervised, it could be considered child neglect.
Suppose you suspect a child is neglected, not just staying home alone. In that case, it is important to report it to local law enforcement or the Department of Human Resources so a family can get help if needed.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Is it legal to leave your child home alone in Alabama? What to know
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