The age at which a child can be left home alone varies and there is no specific legal age in many places, but several guidelines and recommendations exist based on maturity and safety considerations:

• No legal age set: Most laws do not specify a minimum age to leave a child home alone, but it is illegal to leave a child alone if it places them at risk of harm or neglect

• General age recommendations:
  • Babies, toddlers, and very young children should never be left alone

* Children under 8 years old should not be left alone; they require supervision to ensure safety

* Children aged 8 to 10 years can start with very short periods alone during the day, usually no longer than 30 minutes to 1-2 hours, and only when they feel comfortable

* Children aged 11 to 12 years may be left alone for a few hours (up to 3 hours), but not late at night or overnight

* Children aged 13 to 15 years can generally be left alone during the day but should not be left overnight

* Teenagers 16 years and older may be ready to stay home alone overnight, depending on maturity and comfort level

• Maturity and readiness: The child's maturity, ability to handle emergencies, and comfort with being alone are critical factors. Parents should assess if the child understands safety rules, can contact help, and feels confident staying alone

• Preparation and safety measures: Before leaving a child alone, parents should:
  • Leave contact numbers and emergency instructions.
  • Ensure the child knows not to open the door to strangers.
  • Secure dangerous items.
  • Practice emergency drills.
  • Check in regularly

• Legal consequences: Parents can be prosecuted for neglect if leaving a child alone is deemed unsafe or likely to cause harm

In summary, while there is no fixed legal age, children under 12 are generally considered too immature for extended periods alone, and overnight stays are usually not recommended before age 16. The decision depends heavily on the child's maturity, safety, and parental judgment.