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Article by Gina Spampinato

A parent’s guide to what age a child can walk to school alone

As the new school year approaches us, many parents will be discussing one hot topic- at what age can a child walk to school alone?

We’ve recently shared some tips to encourage independence in your children when starting school, when it comes to walking home alone after school, it can be difficult as a parent to reach a decision. We explore if there is a legal minimum age in the UK to walk alone after school and some tips to help build independence for both children and parents.

Is there a legal age to walk to school alone?

In the UK, there isn’t a minimum legal age to walk to school alone, however, parents with children under 10 are advised not to let their children get to school unaccompanied.

The decision to let your child walk to school alone is a personal one and should be based on a few factors like their maturity level, the safety of their route, and your comfort level.

Some things to consider when deciding if your child is ready to walk to school alone are:

  • Their maturity level - First, ask yourself if your child is mature enough to follow directions, stay safe, and handle unexpected situations? Can they stay calm if they get lost or encounter a stranger? Do they take instruction well?
  • The route - Is the route to school safe for walking? Is there a lot of traffic? Are there any known crime problems in the area?
  • How you feel as a parent - We know that the back-to-school feeling is one of anxiety for both parents and child, so if you feel uncomfortable about their independence and the ability to cope with so much change, don’t rush into letting them walk home alone. Our ultimate back-to-school guide covers even more handy tips to help them cope with their newfound freedom and settle any nerves ahead of the new term.

The average age for walking independently to school

Typically, most parents wait for their child to be 10 years old before walking to school alone. It’s thought that by 10, children have developed the maturity and judgment necessary to handle the challenges of walking to school alone.

If you’re considering letting your child walk to school alone, here are some tips to help make sure they stay safe:

  • Choose a safe route - As we’ve touched on, the route is important so choose one without much traffic. If possible, walk with your child to school a few times before they start walking alone so they can familiarise themselves with the route.
  • Talk to them about safety - Make sure they know how to cross the street safely, what to do if they get lost, and how to deal with strangers.
  • Give your child a payment card for emergencies - This way they will always be able to get the bus, call a taxi or get help with a pre-payment card
  • Be observant - Pay attention to your child's behaviour and make sure they’re handling the responsibility of walking to school alone well. Perhaps speak to another parent in your area and arrange a buddy system to walk them to school first. As long as you feel secure in the decision, your child should feel secure in their newly found independence too.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer to the question of what age a child can walk to school alone, and what is right for one child may not be right for another. Our tips can help ensure that your child walks to school safely and independently and that you feel more relaxed as a parent for the new school year.