The NSPCC has issued new advice on leaving children home alone this Easter, as it warns that people are now significantly more worried about other children who are left alone.

New data released by the UK children's charity showed that adults in the South East, including Southampton and Hampshire, are becoming much more concerned about other children being left unsupervised.

The NSPCC has now issued further advice for parents looking to leave children home alone over Easter, saying kids should always be left with "contact numbers for a parent, carer or trusted adult".

The NSPCC Helpline makes a referral to local authorities when there is serious concern about a child, providing help and advice for those calling and working with protection specialists to take further steps.

Between April 2023 and March 2024, the service made 573 to local agencies and services in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex, Surrey, and Kent.

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This number is 74 per cent higher than the 330 referred during the previous 12 months.

With the Easter holidays not too far away, the charity acknowledged that many adults might feel unsure about whether their child is ready to be left unsupervised.

Hayley Garner is the Hampshire-based NSPCC local campaigns manager for London and the South East.

She explained that it can be “really difficult” for parents and carers to know the right age to leave their child home alone as “every child is different”.

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Hayley said: “The first time being left unsupervised will differ for every family.

"There is no legal age limit for leaving children home alone, but here at the NSPCC we wouldn’t recommend leaving any child under the age of 12 at home unsupervised, particularly for longer time stretches.

"A child should never be left home alone if they don’t feel comfortable with it, but it is important that if they are, they’re left with contact numbers for a parent, carer or trusted adult.

"Long periods of being unsupervised can lead to children feeling afraid or neglected."