Mary Loftis, Extension Educator
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
After School - Safety Issues
Whether children are left home alone after school just once or several times a week, safety is the primary issue. Make sure your children know the rules and what to do in case of an emergency.
Make sure your child feels comfortable staying home alone. If they become fearful, have trouble sleeping or show increased nervousness talk to them about it, but do not make fun of them. Their fears are real and should be respected. Some children do not have the maturity to stay home alone as early as others. This is a very personal safety and security issue.
When children arrive home after school make sure they check in with someone. A parent, grandparent or neighbor should be called just to touch base. An older child could even call a parent’s cell phone, let it ring once and hang up. The parent could see the call missed and not need to take time from a meeting or work for a check-in phone call.
General home safety rules should always be followed:
Doors should be locked when a child arrives home so they
know the house is secure and then locked behind them after
they get inside.
If there is any question that the house is not secure have a
back-up plan for where they should go. If they smell gas or
smoke get help fast, but do not enter the house.
Set rules on who is allowed in your home in your absence . . .
certain friends, with prior permission, etc.
Never open the door for a stranger If a package is expected,
leave a note on the door to take it to a neighbors house.
Let the answering machine take all calls unless you have
discussed other options with your child. Remind them never
to say they are alone. If someone wants to talk to their
parents have them say you can’t come to the phone right now,
but you will call them back later and they should take a
message.
What snacks are allowed? Can the child safely use the
microwave, stove, oven, or knives? Make sure they know
what is safe and acceptable.
Internet use is another important consideration. Help them
understand the dangers and the rules. If you can’t trust their
judgement they shouldn’t be left home alone.
What about severe weather? Have a plan so they know what
to do, where to go and/or who to call.
Do they know how to handle minor first aid problems?
Communication is a very important part of children learning to stay home alone safely. Encourage them to share any questions or problems with you. When you help them learn how to safely handle a situation, they will have the opportunity to grow into independent young adults.
Tell us the home safety rules your family has. Go to unlforfamilies.unl.edu, click on TIPS and go to the feedback form.
