Research has revealed that a parent is arrested every day suspected of leaving their children at home alone
The cases looked at involved children aged from just a few weeks to 14 years old.
Figures provided by police forces in England and Wales showed at least 105 mothers and fathers had faced criminal investigations.
Figures provided by police forces in England and Wales following Freedom of Information requests showed that 30 of those arrested were released without further action, 24 accepted a police caution and 19 were charged.
The issue of at what age and for how long, or even if you should leave your children alone at all has been at the centre of controversy for years.
The law doesn’t specify an age at which parents can legally, but mums and dads risk arrest if it is deemed that children are being neglected as a result of their actions.
Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming, has campaigned for clarity over the issue from the Government.
“Potentially, someone who leaves a baby in a car seat in a petrol station could face prosecution. Similarly, whereas an eight-year old can be sent to go swimming or to the park on their own, they are not allowed to stay at home (alone). There does need to be more clarity on this.
“This is where the state interferes into ordinary life and people’s lives can be massively disrupted merely for doing what they thought was right for their children.”
In November, a poll for The Times found that two thirds of parents want the Government to set a legally binding minimum age limit for children to be left at home alone.
