*The age shown is the recommended minimum age at which a child can be left home alone instead of a minimum/legal age. The “right” or “minimum age” to let someone start caring is a subjective issue. Factors such as the age and maturity of the child or dependent children and the maturity of the caregiver are important to consider, as well as the amount of care the child or dependent children require. This includes the number of hours and special care the child or children require. Most states don`t have laws setting an age requirement for child custody, and only some have guidelines on how old a child is before being left home alone. These guidelines range from six to 14 years. Here is a list of states with this policy: Colorado: 12*, Delaware: 12*, Georgia: 8*, Illinois: 14, Kansas: 6*, Maryland: 8, Michigan: 11*, Mississippi: 12*, Nebraska: 7*, New Mexico: 10*, North Carolina: 8, North Dakota: 9*, Oregon: 10*, Tennessee: 10* and Washington: 10*. We`ve all seen the classic movie “Home Alone,” where eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone while his family goes on Christmas vacation. In reality, the McCallister parents probably should have been accused of negligent supervision. Of course, it was just a movie. In Pennsylvania, there is no set age limit that allows a child to be legally left home alone.
However, if a parent decides to leave a child home alone, that child is still the responsibility of the parent. That is, if something happens to the child, the parents can be accused of negligence. Surprisingly, I know. You`d think it would be illegal to leave a 5-year-old alone, but that`s not the case. The American Red Cross offers childcare and childcare classes to prepare course participants with universal skills and techniques that every babysitter should have. These courses are available online for those who prefer to study as they please or in a personal classroom with access to highly qualified teachers and classroom activities. These courses include basic care for infants and children, basic first aid, child behaviour, emergency protocols, leadership and age-appropriate activities. The Red Cross also offers CPR/AED first aid and certification courses. According to a government report, nearly 4.5 million children under the age of 14 are injured at home each year. “The vast majority of accidental injury-related deaths in children occur in the evening, when children are most likely to be out of school and unsupervised.” Not being able to afford daycare is one thing. But taking unnecessary risks for a child`s safety is another. This is where Pennsylvania drops its youngest citizens.
August 2017: A 6-year-old boy from Pittsburgh was shot and killed by his 10-year-old brother after being left home alone. Why do I feel this way? Well, for a number of reasons. But for the purposes of this column, it`s because there`s no minimum age limit in Pennsylvania to leave kids home alone. To be clear, this is not the fault of the well-being of children and youth. These well-meaning officials are crippled by fixed budgets, high turnover, a state legislative system that does not pass common-sense laws, and a judicial system that simply does not practice common sense. The authority responsible for the protection of children from harm is prevented from taking action with regard to children until harm is first inflicted on them. Pennsylvania, the state that by law requires people to buy wine and cheese at two separate cases at the same grocery store, doesn`t care if you leave your young children home alone while you go shopping. How old were you when your parents finally let you stay home alone? Is there a certain age you will expect when it comes to your children? Although Pennsylvania has no age requirement when it comes to leaving children home alone, experts advise parents to wait until at least 10 years of age, according to PA Family Lawyers. Me: “You`re telling me it`s not illegal to leave a child alone in Pennsylvania at home, regardless of age?” June 2007: Five children under the age of 8 die in a house fire in Pittsburgh after being left home alone. Pennsylvania also doesn`t have a minimum age for babysitters.
Most people will consider asking a neighbor`s child or a family friend to babysit the kids for the night. Again, it`s up to parents to decide who is an age-appropriate babysitter. Typically, parents want at least one babysitter who can contact parents and call 911 in an emergency. Other considerations when choosing a young babysitter may include the number of children he or she needs to supervise, the age of the children, and whether any of the children have special medical needs. Sometimes these necessary steps have obstacles, and from my personal experience, these obstacles may be angrier than a successful zipper fusion attempt in central Pennsylvania. Most responsible parents don`t leave young children home alone for hours. However, some parents are not responsible.