This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: By the time children are around 12 years old, many will begin to ask if they can go out to the local park, playground or stores to spend time with their friends without adult supervision. This may happen more often during school breaks.
They might say, "All of my friends are going. Can I hang out with them?" When a child first asks this question, it can be difficult for parents to judge whether their child is ready. Parents might want experts to give them a specific age recommendation, but children develop at their own pace and readiness varies.
This means there is no single right age when children are ready to spend time with friends outside the house without supervision. So how do you know when it's OK to let your child go out on their own? Children need opportunities for independent activities to build well-being.
The freedom to go out with friends without adult supervision gives children the chance to explore, make choices and navigate unexpected challenges. It allows them to develop their autonomy, confidence and resilience. It can also help kids get more active.
Adventurous outdoor activities with friends, such as bike riding, allow children to learn how to cope with potentially risky situations and uncertainty, which may reduce their chances of developing anxiety. Research on children whose parents allowed them to travel and play in their neighborhoods also found it may help them cultivate friendships and create a sense of community. While many parents and caregivers acknowledge the benefits of letting their child have more independence, they may still feel nervous about the potential risks that come with it.
A 2019 New Zealand survey asked over 2,000 parents about their attitudes toward risky play and children being out on their own, and the barriers that prevented them from allowing their children to be more independent. The two biggest concerns were road safety (increased risks of traffic accidents) and "stranger danger" (children potentially having encounters with harmful adults). So, with these concerns in mind, what are some things you can do to see if your child is ready?
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