How Old Do Kids Need to Be to Stay Home Alone in New York?

Rochester children are no longer in school. What should parents who work do with their kids now that school is over? Some parents may wonder, “Can I leave my kid home alone?” if their kid isn’t in summer camp, daycare, or with a helper. Some people might think about what the law says about leaving a child home alone. How young is too young?

At What Age Can Kids Be Left Home Alone in New York?

It may come as a surprise, but New York State does not have a required minimum age. Because children develop at different rates and some have special needs and skills, the Office of Children and Family Services says that “Parents and guardians need to make intelligent, reasoned decisions regarding these matters.”

In New York, it is up to the parents to decide if their child is big enough and mature enough to stay home alone, while in other states, there are laws that say this. This means that if something goes wrong while a child is home alone, they could be charged with child endangerment or carelessness.

How Do You Know What Age You Can Leave Your Kid Home Alone?

Safe Kids Worldwide, a non-profit group, says that kids should be left alone at home between the ages of 12 and 13. There is no perfect age, though. But it depends on how mature they are.

“Before leaving their kids home alone, parents should look for signs that their kids are responsible when they are with them.” Can they do what you tell them to do without being told over and over? Do they only do what you say when you’re watching?

As an education counselor at North Carolina State University told USA Today in 2019, “If they only follow the rules when you’re watching, it’s not likely that they will when they are home alone.” Since kids spend most of their time at school without their parents observing their actions, this can also be a good sign. When they’re not with you, they might behave badly or break the rules again.