School's out for summer, and if kids aren't in a summer camp, daycare, or a babysitter, some parents might wonder, "Can I leave my kid home alone?" Others might consider the legal ramifications of leaving a child home alone. And what age is too young?
At what age can kids be left home alone in Oklahoma?
Like the majority of U.S. states, Oklahoma does not actually have a legal age requirement for children to be left home alone. The state leaves this decision up to parents.
Oklahoma does have more specific laws around abandonment and neglect of children, stating any person who willfully harms, fails to protect, or threatens the safety of a child under 18 could face jail time or fines. People guilty of child abuse could be guilty of a felony.
Additionally, child labor laws in Oklahoma say kids must obtain a permit to work at ages 14 and 15, and can only work certain jobs.
What do other states say about leaving children home alone?
Of the states that have laws regarding when children can be left home alone, the age requirement varies widely.
On the lower end of the spectrum, Kansas allows children 6 to 9 years old to be left home alone for short periods of time, and children 10 and over to be left alone for “somewhat longer periods.” Among other factors, the Kansas guidance adds that parents should weigh their kids’ level of maturity and behavior in the absence of adults before leaving children alone.
On the other end, Illinois law says any person who leaves a child under 14 years old “without supervision for an unreasonable period of time” is guilty of neglect.
Several states, such as
and Washington, do not have an official age requirement, but recommend children are at least 10 years old before staying home alone.
What should parents consider when deciding whether to leave kids at home?
Most children are “generally ready” to stay home around 12 or 13 years old, according to Safe Kids Worldwide, a non-profit working to prevent childhood injury. But the organization advises parents to use their discretion to gauge their child’s maturity level.
Babies and kids under 6 should not be left alone without an adult, according to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Elementary school-aged children "who demonstrate the ability to be responsible and mature" can be left alone for a couple hours during the day with access to a responsible adult.
They also stated that grade school children should not be left in charge of younger kids. Middle school kids "who demonstrate the ability to care for themselves without help" can be left home alone for four hours in the day or evening, according to their guidelines.
DHS also stated that middle school children may help care for one or two younger kids if they also have constant access to a responsible adult.
DHS has shared a list of considerations for caregivers, including if a child is cognitively delayed, length of time the child will be alone, if they have access to a phone and emergency numbers or if the child would be responsible for younger children.
What should my child know before being left home alone?
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services said there is "no magic age" that a child is ready to be home alone, but that children at home alone need to know:
- what to do if someone calls or knocks on the door
- how to lock and unlock windows
- what to do if a stranger approaches them or if they think someone is in the house when they get home
- kitchen safety
- what to do if they smell smoke or gas
- what to do in case of fire or severe weather
- basic first aid
- when to call parents or other adults for help.
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