Why does the law not specify an age to make it clear?

There is no specific age when a child can be left at home alone as maturity and understanding differs from child to child. A child of 12 can have the same maturity and understanding as a child of 14. Likewise, a child of 13 can have the maturity and understanding of a 9 year old.

A parent should be able to judge their child’s level of maturity and understanding and decide whether the child would be able to cope at home alone.

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