Letting your kids walk to school alone? This is the age the NSPCC says is old enough

But a question many will have is how old is considered old enough for children to take the journey on their own.

The NSPCC branch in Hampshire has now given advice to parents who have this question.

Jan McDonald, NSPCC schools co-ordinator for Hampshire, said: “Most parents and carers will at some point have to make a decision about when their child can travel to and from school by themselves.

“There isn’t a law that prescribes a specific age for this, although your school might have a rule or policy.

“Some schools advise that children under 8 shouldn’t walk home without an adult or older sibling.

“However, every child is different and you should never leave a child alone who isn’t ready or comfortable to do so.”

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The NSPCC has also issued advice for parents who feel their child is ready to walk home alone.

This includes making sure they know their address and your telephone number by heart, in case they get lost or have to navigate home from somewhere new.

If they have a mobile phone, remind them to fully charge it before leaving the house, and make sure they have all your contact numbers saved.

The NSPCC also says it is important to talk to children about road safety.

They should always look both ways before crossing the street, and never be on their phone whilst crossing a road.

Remind them never to accept a lift from someone they don’t know, or let a stranger into the house.

They should never give personal information away – in real life or online.