When and for how long can my child stay home alone? - BKE Issues Guidelines: How Long Children Can Be Left Alone in Germany
The Federal Conference for Educational Counseling (BKE) has issued recommendations on how long children can be left alone in Germany. The guidelines consider age and maturity, with no fixed durations but rather a range for each age group.
For children aged 0 to 3, constant supervision is advised. From 4 to 6 years, short periods alone are recommended. As children grow older, so does their independence: 7 to 10-year-olds can handle up to 2 hours alone. For 11 to 13-year-olds, longer periods are suggested. By 14 years and older, overnight stays alone are acceptable.
However, these are merely guidelines. Even if a child meets the recommended age frame, they should not be left alone if they lack the necessary maturity. The decision lies with the parents, who must consider their child's maturity, sense of responsibility, and individual behavior. The Civil Code (§ 1626 BGB) emphasizes parents' duty to care for their child's well-being and fulfill supervisory duties adequately.
In Germany, there's no legal age limit for leaving children alone. The BKE's recommendations serve as a general guide, but individual maturity and reliability should always be considered. Experts advise gradually practicing being alone, setting clear rules, and being reachable by phone when children are left unattended.
