How long can a 16 year old stay home alone?

Answer 1

Absolutely, but parental presence is important in growing into a responsible adult. On the other hand, a 15 year old is expected to obey their parents in order to, again, mature as a responsible adult.

Answer 2

That varies from one child to the next. There may also be state laws, which of course vary from state to state, on that.

A mature, responsible teenager should not be left alone for more than a week. Some children, of course, live on their own and operate their own self-sustaining, private enterprises by age 14. Some people, on the other hand, should not be trusted by themselves at any age.

Answer 3

• Yes, a 16 year old son can stay home alone at night, but set down some stern rules such as no girls over and no parties. Many a parents or parents have come home to a trashed house. Let your son know you trust him with being responsible and then wait to see how mature he is and how honest he is. If he doesn't follow your rules then you will have to make arrangements for someone to be there to look after him.

Answer 4

Probably not. If it's a subject of real concern to you, you should get an opinion from a local attorney.

The crime here, if one existed, would probably be "child endangerment". This is usually pretty nebulously defined (it's one of those "we know it when we see it" kinds of crimes), but most rational people would consider a 16 year old self-sufficient enough to survive a single night alone in the absence of special circumstances. (If you knew there was a serial killer on the loose in the area, that might change things.)

Answer 5

This probably depends on the country that you live in. In Britain the legal age to be left alone in the house is 16, I believe.

Answer 6

No,i don't think so..... My parents say...As long as you are 12 or above...you can stay at home.

Answer 7

well i think that they could stay home all day and all night they are old enough to do whatever.

Answer 8

No, though if you're young it's not very safe