Don’t miss it The complete story, Carolyn Thompson’s report in the Associated Press is the basis of this AI-assisted article.
Parents face a challenging decision to determine when their children are ready to stay home alone after school, experts stress that readiness depends on a variety of factors beyond age.
Some key facts to consider:
•Most states leave this decision to parents, although some have set a minimum of age. For example, Maryland’s laws leave unattended among children under the age of 8 years of age is a crime.
•The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends structured supervision until about 11 or 12 years old, most children can handle emergencies.
• Children should know basic information – including their full name, address, phone number and emergency contact – before staying at home alone.
• Basic safety skills include knowing how to call 911, fix snacks, find bandages and dealing with emergencies such as tornado warnings or smoke alarms.
• House rules must be clearly established, including placing stoves and ovens in restricted areas without opening the door to strangers.
• Emotional preparation is crucial as children must confidently deal with loneliness, fear and boredom.
• Parents should start with a brief absence and role-playing emergency to build confidence gradually.
• Regular checks via smartphone every 15 to 30 minutes help relieve anxiety among children and parents.
Read more: Age is not everything when determining whether a child is ready to go home alone
This article is written only based on Washington Times’ original reports and wire services with the help of generating artificial intelligence. For more information, please read our AI Policy Or contact Digital’s executive editor Ann Wog, at awog@washingtontimes.com
Available at the Washington Times AI Ethics News Editorial Office Committee aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
