Petition · Ministry of Justice
Make it illegal for a child to be left home alone before a specific age
Closed
164 signatures
What the petition asks
We want the government to make it illegal for a child to be left home alone before a specific, appropriate age and consequences for parents found breaking the law. Currently the law does not say a specific age when a child can be left on their own.
I'm concerned this means people's judgement is used which could be poor. I think it is frightening that people are able to use their own judgment in these situations.
Timeline
| 10 Sep 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 10 Mar 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
164
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
10 Sep 2025
Closed
10 Mar 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 9 Aug 2026.