When is the best time to let your child play independently on the playground? It all depends on where the playground is located and how mature our child is. In this article, we suggest how to prepare your child to go outside on their own and when might be the right time to do so.
From when can a child be alone in the playground? - What does the law say about this?
It is possible to quibble about when is the best time to let your child go outside on their own. Every parent will have their own views on the matter, but it is worth referring to the law, specifically:
- Code of Offences,
- Law of 20 June 1997 - Law on Road Traffic
The law states that a child under the age of seven must be accompanied on the road by a person at least 10 years old. However, there are exceptions to this provision, as the provision does not apply to the area of the residential zone and to pavements where only pedestrian traffic is allowed.
The Code of Offences, on the other hand, informs us that if we fail to fulfil our duty of care or supervision of a minor under 7 years of age or of another person incapable of recognising, or defending himself or herself against danger and allows life to be endangered, we are liable to a fine or reprimand.
It is worth pointing out that there are no rules that explicitly state from when a child can be away from home, but it is worth following the rules above so that your child is covered with due safety.
When to let your child out alone in the home playground?
If you are concerned that your child will have to be under a watchful eye in a playground on your property until the age of 7, you can breathe easy. If this is the case, the legislation doesn't hold water because, for one thing - your child doesn't have to cross the street or travel along a pavement with bicycle traffic to get to the playground, and on top of that, a properly secured backyard doesn't put your child at risk of life-threatening injuries. The plus side is that, even though we are not sitting directly next to the child, we can still exercise control over the child by just looking out of the window.
Of course, it is worth and necessary to keep toddlers under control for as long as possible, and this is very much an individual matter for each parent who knows his or her child well. He or she should know best whether the child can go out on his or her own or whether he or she still needs care and supervision.
When can a child go out on their own without parental supervision?
If we are talking about children's playground at your block of flats or a neighbouring block of flats, it is advisable to follow the rules of the law. If we have a duty of care or supervision to a minor, we should accompany him or her when playing. We may let the child go unaccompanied if he or she is adequately prepared to do so and has proven to us that he or she can stay out on his or her own.
How do you prepare your child to go outside on their own?
Preparing your child to go outside on their own is important for their development and future independence. Here are some steps you can take to help your child in this process:
- Teach the rules of road safety: Explain to your child the rules for crossing the road safely, looking both ways before crossing, using pedestrian crossings and waiting for the green light.
- Set boundaries: establish with your child the boundaries of a safe area in which they can move independently. This could be the distance from home, school or other reference points.
- Talk: Talk to your child regularly about safety and discuss situations that can happen outdoors. Explain what behaviours are safe and what behaviours can be dangerous.
- Equip with the right tools: If you deem it appropriate, equip your child with a mobile phone or a watch with a GPS locator function. This can give him a sense of security and allow you to monitor his location.
- Practice together: Practise different situations with your child, such as getting lost, contacting strangers or asking for help. Role-play exercises can help your child feel more confident about real-life situations.
- Emphasise the importance of coming forward for help: Teach your child how and when he or she should seek help in emergency situations. Explain that he/she can always count on adult support and help.
