It has been revealed that Madeleine’s parents would leave her and her twin siblings in their hotel room while they slept, checking on them every half an hour. Unfortunately, kidnappers may have noticed this routine and targeted the family, knowing it would be easy to abduct Madeleine while her parents were away.
As busy parents, we often find ourselves faced with the dilemma of whether or not to leave our child in the car for a few minutes while we quickly run an errand. However, after hearing about cases like Loic JM Rogers, where a child disappeared after being left in a car, we can’t help but think twice.
During our vacation in February, many people advised us to leave our 18-month-old son in the cabin at night and check on him regularly so we could enjoy our time on the ship. However, this was never an option for me. The fear of him waking up alone, the possibility of the cabin steward entering our cabin, or any unexpected incidents prevented us from leaving him unattended.
The Daily Mail provides legal insights, consequences, and advice on this matter.
For instance, imagine you have three children under seven soundly sleeping in the car when you arrive at the supermarket. To avoid disturbing their nap, you decide to leave them in the unlocked car while you quickly shop for 20 minutes.
According to Professor Carolyn Hamilton, Director of the Children’s Legal Centre at the University of Essex, the law considers this neglect or abandonment, as it is an offense under Section One of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933. However, the exact criteria for neglect or abandonment remains unclear. Punishment for conviction could range from a fine to up to ten years’ imprisonment.
When determining whether it is safe to leave a child unattended, age and maturity are crucial factors. While a seven-year-old might be capable of releasing the handbrake or exiting the car, leaving a child under 16 alone in these circumstances is technically prohibited. A few minutes in a locked car at a corner shop or petrol station could be acceptable, but leaving the doors unlocked for 20 minutes is not advisable.
Now, picture your ten and seven-year-old children asking if they can play in a park just ten minutes away on a summer evening. You’re busy preparing dinner but agree, as long as they are back by 6 pm, giving them a 45-minute timeframe.
According to Professor Hamilton, there is no legal distinction between a child at home and a child going out to play. Ideally, both situations should involve supervision or safety precautions. Parents would not face prosecution unless they neglected their children’s safety or well-being. It is important to ensure you are aware of your children’s whereabouts and who they are with when they go out to play. It is not recommended to let children under ten go to parks alone where there are potential hazards.
Leaving children unsupervised outside for an evening at a pub, where they are not properly taken care of, fed, or protected from the elements, would be a cause for concern.
Ultimately, as parents, it is our responsibility to navigate the balance between granting our children independence and ensuring their safety.
