Petition
Raise the minimum age children can walk home from school alone from 8 to 12
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
We call on the UK Government to raise the minimum age at which children are legally allowed to walk home from school unaccompanied from 8 years old to at least 12.
Children walking home alone at such a young age face serious risks, including abduction, traffic accidents, and lack of ability to respond in emergencies. A recent attempted child abduction near my son’s school has highlighted how unsafe this situation is in 2025.
The current system, unchanged since the 1990s does not reflect modern risks or the need to better protect children. By raising the minimum age to 12, we can help ensure that children are kept safe!
The current system, unchanged since the 1990s does not reflect modern risks or the need to better protect children. By raising the minimum age to 12, we can help ensure that children are kept safe!
Why it was rejected
It was not clear what the petition asked the UK Government or Parliament to do.
We're not sure exactly what you'd like the Government or Parliament to do.
There is not currently such a rule set out in law.
There is not currently such a rule set out in law.
Timeline
| 25 Sep 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 15 Oct 2025 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Rejected
15 Oct 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 27 Jul 2026.