Question for MA residents about children home alone

[wdwnutze]

We have just begun letting my 11yo DD stay home for short periods alone. Today while she was here, a police officer came to drop something off and it got us to wondering, What is the legal age to allow a child to stay home alone? We feel she is mature enough and it was for a short time. My DH was only 5 min and a phone call away. Does anyone know what the age is?

 

[DVC-Don]

Not sure about Massachusetts, but a lot of states are 13. Here recently a mom left home her 10 yo who was watching 2 younger children. The New York State took the children from her till there was a hearing. She got them back about 2 months later.

 

[Jeanny]

For some reason, I'm thinking it's 12, but I'm not 100% sure....could be 10... certainly not a year old baby like that lady left her baby in the car while she went shopping in Boston for 3 hours yesterday... what an idiot!!!

I was babysitting when I was ten, but that was a long, long, long time ago... there is no way I'd let a 10 year old babysit alone in today's world.

My daughter was very responsible when she was younger and I would leave her for 5-10 minutes while I would go up to the train station to pick up my brother... She knew never to open the door to ANYONE, even neighbors, until I got home.

 

[kilee]

Actually NY State is 11. I know this because we just recently learned about it in our classes to be certified as foster parents. They discussed this at length. Unfortunately, it doesn't help. I would call your local Social Services and just ask. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Pin Wizard]

http://www.211bigbend.org/hotlines/phonefriend/ready.htm

 

[Kallison]

In our county it is 12, although I started leaving my oldest at 10 for short periods. My 11 1/2 year old is allowed to stay home, and if I'm going for a walk I'll leave my 9 year old home alone. We have great neighbors who are always home next door and across the street.

 

[goofy4tink]

I want to say it's 12, but for some really odd reason 15 keeps popping into my head. I do remember thinking the last time I saw what the home alone age was that it was way too old. But, that being said, I also was baby-sitting at 12. My dd, 10, has just gotten comfortable staying home for short periods of time. She answers the phone only when she knows who's calling (isn't caller ID wonderful), never goes to the door. We only leave for about an hour or so and only during daylight hours. She wasn't ready until last fall.

 

[TIGGERSMOM]

I beleive the law says they cannot be left alone in a car under 12 so I would think the same at home.

 

[Mskanga]

In Pennsylvania , the legal age to be left at home alone is 11, I was just told that at school the other day by one of the police officers. I couldn't believe it, but that's just the way it is. I will leave her alone if I am just going to the quick-mart close to home ( two blocks away ) or pick up the mail a mile away in the development, nothing else.