Parents risk prosecution for leaving their children as young as five home alone during the summer holidays
Children’s charity NSPCC said its helpline reported 849 incidents of children left home alone to police last August, including around 280 children under five.
The charity is reminding parents and carers not to leave young children home alone during the summer holidays.
Throughout 2017/18 there were 7,277 children referred to authorities due to concerns about them being left to fend for themselves, with the problem being most acute in August during the long school holidays.
Parents and carers can be prosecuted for neglect if it is judged that they placed a child at risk by leaving them at home alone.
The NSPCC has warned that although a child may seem responsible enough to be left alone without supervision, parents and carers should think carefully whether they would be able to cope with unexpected situations such as an emergency, a stranger calling at the house, being hungry or if the parent is away for longer than anticipated.
The charity is also encouraging parents to read its home alone guide, which includes questions they should ask themselves and their children before deciding to leave a child unsupervised.
NSPCC head of safeguarding in communities, Chris Cloke, said: "It can be difficult for parents and carers to decide whether their child is ready to be left on their own and we know that the summer holidays can be a tricky time as people face increasing childcare pressures.
"However, it is still very concerning that we are consistently seeing a spike in August of referrals to social services and the police due to worries about children being left unsupervised. No child should be left on their own if there is any risk they will come to harm."
The charity’s guidelines suggests children under 12 are rarely mature enough to cope in an emergency if left for a long period of time. And youngsters under 16 should not be left alone overnight
It also says a child should never be left at home alone if they do not feel comfortable with it, regardless of their age.
Jayne Laidlaw, Childline service manager at its Glasgow base, added: "Sadly, the school holidays doesn't bring summer fun for everyone.
"With schools closed over the holidays and contact with friendship groups reduced, children and young people need to know that Childline is never closed. We are here for all of Scotland's children and young people every day of the year no matter how big or small their worries may seem.
"In July and August last year 2,104 children contacting us from Scotland were counselled by our highly trained team of volunteers on a variety of concerns.
"This demonstrates what a vital role Childline counsellors have in supporting, protecting and really listening to children at all times of the day and night."
