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How old does a child have to be to be left alone?

I have seen people leave their kids alone for a few hours at night while the kids are sleeping. I know for a fact the kids are alone. I thought about calling the authorities but I don't know if anything can be done because the kids are sleeping. I don't know of a tactful way to bring this up either. I mean just because it goes against how I feel does it mean it is wrong? The kids aren't really older than my 9 year old. I do check on them as much as I can.s much as I can.

7 Answers

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  • 10 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    13.its the law...not 10,thats rediculous

  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    Usually 12-13

  • 10 years ago

    My parents left me alone from 5pm-11pm when I was 8 or 9. Why would you call the authorities? My parents trusted me, and as long as I didn't tell anyone I was home alone, there was not a problem.

  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    I think it depends on the neighborhood and the maturity of the kids.

    Are you sure the parents didn't ask another neighbor to check in on them and go over if anything seems wrong (like an unknown vehicle in driveway)?

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  • 10 years ago

    Legally it's usually 12 but it depends on the state.

  • 10 years ago

    If the oldest of the kids is 10-12 (at least) and they know mom and dad are gone I think it's fine.

    Source(s): My parents left us alone at night fir just a few hrs when I was 11. But they always told me they were going and how long they were going to be gone and gave me the phone in case of an emergency.
  • sammi
    Lv 7
    10 years ago

    doesn't matter if they are sleeping or not, they can't be left alone until 12-13

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