EXPLAINER: What are the rules when it comes to leaving children at home alone?

As the Easter holidays approach, parents across Ireland may be struggling with balancing childcare and work.

While come children may be too young to be left at home on their own, parents could find themselves having to take annual leave days to look after their children during these school breaks.

As there is no specific legal age at which a child can be left at home on their own, the Children First Act 2015 stipulates that parents and guardians have a legal duty to ensure their child's safety and welfare and leaving a child alone without the proper supervisions can be considered as neglect under child protection laws.

Child and Family Agency Tusla, say children under 14 are rarely mature enough to be left alone for long periods of time and children under the age of 16 should never be left alone for an entire night.

Tuslas' guidelines state,

"Most parents or guardians have to spend some time away from their children, whether it's for long periods when going to work or shorter periods for social activities. 

"Children must never be left alone, so parents should make arrangements for their child to be cared for by trusted friends or with a childcare provider or minder."

"There is no set age at which it is legal to leave children home alone, as it depends on whether the child is mature enough to be left alone. In Ireland, children under 14 years of age are not mature enough to be left alone or unsupervised.

"For older teenagers, it is the decision of the parent or guardian, based on the child, their level of maturity and their living circumstances."

To help parents make an informed decision in the run up the Easter holidays and just in general day to day, Tusla poses questions on their website such as,

• Is your child prepared to be home alone?
• Have you undertake prudent measures before leaving your child alone in the home, and, 
• Have you ensured that they have emergency contact numbers and access to a phone

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs also advises the following,

"The age at which a child can be left unattended is not specified by legislation. The decision on whether or not it is advisable to leave a child unattended is a matter for their parents or guardians, as it will entail consideration of the maturity and capacity of each individual child."

It also states,

"Children who are frequently left alone without adequate care or supervision may be suffering from neglect.

"Under the Children First Act 2015, mandated persons who believe that a child is being neglected to the point that their health, development or welfare is being seriously affected have a statutory obligation to report these concerns to Tusla".

You can find out more HERE

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