What’s the Legal Age to Leave a Child Home Alone in Indiana This Summer?

Childhood Milestones and Summer Freedom

One of the best parts of summer break growing up (aside from being out of school) was being allowed to stay home by myself. Sure, I had an older sister, but the point is, our parents weren’t there. I can’t remember exactly how old I was when that started, but I’m pretty sure they trusted my sister to keep us both alive when she was about 12 years old.

How old were you when you were left alone at home during the summer? What about your kids – when did you decide to leave them to their own devices? I’ve been thinking about that lately, and got to wondering if there is a law about that here in Indiana.

Is There a Legal Age to Stay Home Alone in Indiana?

There is NO law dictating how old a child must be in order to be left home alone. Indiana lawmakers leave that decision to parents, who, in theory, base their decision on factors like the child’s maturity, safety of the environment, and ability to handle emergencies.

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What Indiana Law Actually Says

What Indiana law does say is that parents or guardians are responsible for supervising their children until they turn 18. So, basically, that means you can legally leave an 8-year-old home alone, but you could run into legal issues if something happens and authorities determine the child wasn't ready to be left alone.

Questions to Ask Before Leaving a Child Alone

Here are some things to keep in mind when you consider leaving your kiddo(s) at home alone for the first time:

• Do they know how to call 911? Do they have a plan for handling emergencies like fire, medical issues, or break-ins?
• Can they fix a snack, use basic appliances? Can they follow your house rules, or look after siblings?
• Can they handle being alone? Are they comfortable calling you if they feel frightened?
• Is a neighbor, family member, or friend nearby if they need help?