Is it against the law to leave children unattended at home?
No, it’s not against the law to leave a child unattended at any age but it is against the law to leave children in circumstances that put them in any kind of danger. So, for example, leaving a young child alone for several hours could place them in physical danger and emotional harm if they become fearful, distressed or lonely. Someone under 18 is legally a child and though you can leave children younger than that on their own, you must be sure that they can cope adequately and that you have guarded against all possible risks. Young children should never be left alone.
