Hi there, and thank you for getting in touch with Ask Robyn.

You’re wondering what age it is appropriate for a child to walk to school with friends or alone (i.e. without parental supervision), go out and play with friends, and be left at home for shorter (i.e. less than 30 minutes) or longer periods.

Firstly, in relation to walking to school without parental supervision, there are a few safety factors to consider. For example, the age and maturity level of the child, whether there are footpaths or pedestrian crossings on the route, and how busy the roads are. All of these factors can help you decide if it’s appropriate for your child to walk to school independently. It can be helpful to practise the route together a few times and discuss what to do in different situations—for example, if a friend doesn’t show up, or if they need help along the way.

Secondly, when it comes to going out to play with friends, similar safety considerations apply. Is the area where they’ll be playing safe and child-friendly? Are there cars frequently driving through at speed? Is there adult supervision nearby, or are they playing in a public or enclosed area? Again, your child’s age, personality, and maturity are important factors. You might also find it helpful to check in with other parents or guardians to ensure you’re on the same page about boundaries and expectations.

Finally, regarding leaving a child at home alone, Túsla (the Child and Family Agency in Ireland) advises that “there is no set age at which it is legal to leave children home alone, as it depends on whether the child is mature enough to be left alone.” In general, children under 14 years of age in Ireland are not considered mature enough to be left alone or unsupervised. For older children or teenagers, it’s up to the parent or guardian to assess their child’s maturity and the circumstances at home.

If you’re beginning to leave your child alone at home for short periods, it can be helpful to start gradually—perhaps stepping out for just 10–15 minutes at first. Make sure they know how to contact you or another trusted adult in case of emergency, and talk through what to do in different scenarios. Leaving written instructions, setting clear rules, and checking in afterwards can all help build confidence—both yours and your child’s.

If you would like to talk more about this, you’re very welcome to contact our Support Line. You can reach us by email at [email protected] or by phone from Monday to Friday, 9am – 1pm, on 01 522 4300.

We hope this has been helpful.

Thanks again for getting in touch.

Take care,

Robyn