NSPCC anticipates rise in calls about children left home alone over summer

With the summer holidays underway, the NSPCC Helpline is preparing for a seasonal surge in contacts from concerned adults over children being left home alone or unsupervised.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, the Helpline received 6,719 contacts on this issue – an average of 560 each month – with July and August seeing the highest volumes, totalling 1,276 contacts.

The children’s charity is now urging parents and carers to seek guidance before deciding to leave children alone during the school break, especially when work and childcare demands clash.

Kam Thandi, Head of the NSPCC Helpline, said:

“The long summer holidays present many parents and carers with a major headache about how they ensure their children are safe and looked after while also holding down a job.

“Trying to juggle these competing commitments can lead some to consider whether leaving their child home alone is a viable option.”

While there is no legal minimum age for leaving a child home alone in the UK, the NSPCC strongly advises against leaving any child under the age of 12 without supervision. It also warns that a child’s own comfort level should be a key consideration, regardless of age.

In one call to the Helpline, a separated parent explained:

“I will have to either leave my two kids (aged 12 and 8) at home by themselves or make alternative care arrangements over summer… I know 12-year-olds can sometimes be okay, but what if there are younger kids with them in the same house?”

In another case, a neighbour voiced concern:

“I am worried about three girls who are 4, 6 and 8 years old. It’s the school holidays and I believe both parents have left for work. I can hear the children arguing since the mum left.”

Such examples highlight the crucial role of the NSPCC Helpline in offering confidential advice and guidance to adults facing difficult decisions or witnessing worrying situations.

NSPCC’s Top Tips for Leaving a Child Home Alone Safely:

• Start small: Leave them alone for short periods (no more than 20 minutes) to see how they cope.

• Prepare them: Talk through different scenarios (e.g. a knock at the door, emergency contact procedures).

• Leave contact info: Ensure they have all emergency numbers written down and accessible.

• Agree boundaries: Clearly set out what is and isn’t allowed (e.g. no cooking or answering the door).

• Check in regularly: Communicate with your child while you’re away and let them know if your plans change.

Parents and carers can also take a quiz on the NSPCC website to help assess whether their child is ready to be left unsupervised.

“Even if the child is aged 12 or over it is still essential to check they are comfortable with being left unsupervised,” added Ms Thandi.

“For additional support and guidance, the NSPCC Helpline and website has a wealth of information and expertise which parents and carers can also draw on.”

📞 Get Support

• NSPCC Helpline (for adults): Call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk

• Childline (for young people): Call 0800 1111 or chat online at childline.org.uk