Ever thought you’re too strict not letting your child use the internet without supervision? What about letting them walk to school or stay at home by themselves? You might be at the other end of the scale, not worrying (as much) about them having their own bank account, wearing make-up, or even looking after a sibling.
THE DATA
So, what age is the average in the UK? The answer’s 12, according to new data from My Nametags, the UK’s leading manufacturer of easy to apply sticker and iron-on name tags. This is when kids are given their first slice of independence, with most parents granting new freedoms including heading to a sleepover and owning a phone.
At 13, the average child is allowed to stay home alone, use public transport alone, and look after a younger sibling. It’s also the age children are trusted to use the internet unsupervised and create their own social media accounts.
And that’s not all – age 15 is a key milestone for more privileges, with parents comfortable letting them try alcohol and go on holiday with their friends just before they reach 16.
Location also has an impact: those living in the country experience freedom a year earlier than those in urban areas. And, while 51% of parents feel more comfortable allowing their children independence because they carry a phone, the vast majority are afraid of the risks posed by unsupervised mobile use, such as online bullying (80%).
Want more info? Here’s the official age of independence for:
- Walking to school alone – 12 years
- Going to the local shop alone – 12 years
- Having a mobile phone – 12 years
- Attending a sleepover – 12 years
- Being responsible for a pet – 12 years
- Using the internet without supervision – 13 years
- Staying home alone – 13 years
- Having a bank account/card – 13 years
- Having a social media account – 13 years
- Using public transport alone – 13 years
- Looking after a sibling – 13 years
- Wearing makeup – 13 years
- Going into town with friends – 14 years
- Trying alcohol for the first time – 15 years
- Going on holiday with friends – 15 years
BUT ARE THEY READY?
One obvious signal your child’s mature enough for more freedom is when they ask to do certain things alone, as well as problem solving situations by themselves. It’s then a good idea to encourage this in a safe and controlled way, as well as setting boundaries, like being allowed a phone but only using it for a set amount of time.
Be sure to also give them one responsibility at a time, as the last thing you want to do is see them stressed. Previous research showed that 44% of children get stressed during the morning routine, so do things gradually (and probably not at that time of day!).
What else? Be open and don’t pretend you didn’t make mistakes growing up – it’ll encourage your child to be honest, too.
