No legal age for leaving children home aloneThere’s no one law in Australia that says how old your child has to be before you can leave him alone. Show In Queensland, if you leave a child under 12 years of age for an unreasonable amount of time without supervision you have committed a criminal offence. But the legislation also says that whether the time is unreasonable depends on all the relevant circumstances. Elsewhere in Australia, the law says you’re legally obliged to make sure that your child is safe and that your child’s needs are met. You can be charged with an offence if your child is left in a dangerous situation, not fed, clothed or provided with accommodation. The police or child protection services can remove children from situations where their safety is in serious danger. This means that you need to use your own judgment about leaving children home alone. This involves thinking about whether your child could cope if something happened while you were out or if you weren’t able to get back. For example, you might feel OK leaving your pre-teen child alone for half an hour because she follows household safety rules and knows who to contact in an emergency. But it’s never safe to leave a baby or toddler home alone. Even if your child is mature enough to be home alone, you’re still responsible for his wellbeing and safety at all times. The following websites have state-specific information on leaving children home alone: Australian Capital Territory New South
Wales Northern Territory Queensland
South Australia Tasmania Victoria Western Australia
Is 12 years old old enough to stay home?A new survey of social workers suggests age 12 might be a safe time for many to start. Parents often wonder how old their children must be before they can leave them home alone for a few hours. A new survey of social workers suggests age 12 might be a safe time for many to start.
What is the youngest age to stay home alone?Only three States currently have laws regarding a minimum age for leaving a child home alone: Illinois, 14 years old; Maryland, 8 years old; and Oregon, 10 years old.
What age can you leave a child home alone in WA?The Criminal Code (Section 364A) states: A person who, having the lawful care or charge of a child under 12 years, leaves the child for an unreasonable time without making reasonable provision for the supervision and care of the child during that time commits a misdemeanour. Maximum penalty is three years imprisonment.
Can a 12 year old babysit in Qld?There is no law in Queensland about what is the legal age to babysit. As in other states, the parents (of the children being cared for) are legally responsible for their children's safety and welfare, in accordance with the Commonwealth Family Law Act.
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