Surge in reports of children being left alone in Black Country
Concerned calls about youngsters being abandoned at home have surged across the Black Country, new figures reveal.
More than 100 calls were referred to police and social services by the NSPCC amid concerns children were being left unsupervised.
It comes as the charity is warning parents to "think carefully" before leaving their children alone during the school summer break.
Louise Exton, NSPCC helpline manager said: “Summer holidays can be a fun time for children but it is also when they are more likely to be left home alone as parents face increasing childcare pressures.
"Childcare is the biggest cost for families after housing, which could explain why we see a spike in calls to our helpline during these months.
“Leaving your child home alone can be a difficult decision as children mature at different ages – there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer.
"Parents are best placed to know what is right for their child so it’s vital there is flexibility for them to decide, but we would urge them to think carefully and use their common sense when deciding if their child could cope.”
Data from the charity has revealed calls about young people being left alone have risen by 21 per cent since last summer.
Its helpline received 5,737 calls and emails in 2018/19 from adults concerned about youngsters being left home alone, with some referred to the authorities after being judged to be so serious.
There were 71 referrals in Staffordshire, 32 in both Dudley and Sandwell, 21 in Walsall and 17 in Wolverhampton.
Laura Randall, NSPCC associate head of child safety online, said: “One of the best ways for parents to keep their children safe is by having regular conversations about what they are doing online – similar to finding out about their day at home or school.
"Parents will be able to spot any problems, and should encourage their child to come to them if they’re worried, as well as make sure their child knows what’s ok to share online - and what’s not.
“Today’s children don’t see the division between online and offline worlds, so it is vital that parents talk to them about the possible dangers they could face online, and how to protect themselves.
"Just as you would with all the offline places they socialise and play.”
The law does not give a minimum age at which children can be left on their own but parents and carers can be prosecuted for cruelty to a child - which includes neglect, abandonment and failure to protect children put at risk of suffering or injury.
