Raise the minimum age children can walk home from school alone from 8 to 12
We call on the UK Government to raise the minimum age at which children are legally allowed to walk home from school unaccompanied from 8 years old to at least 12.
Signatures
21
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 21/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 21/100,000
- 15 OCT 2025Petition rejectedno-action
We're not sure exactly what you'd like the Government or Parliament to do. There is not currently such a rule set out in law.
- 25 SEPT 2025Petition created
Background
Children walking home alone at such a young age face serious risks, including abduction, traffic accidents, and lack of ability to respond in emergencies. A recent attempted child abduction near my son’s school has highlighted how unsafe this situation is in 2025.
The current system, unchanged since the 1990s does not reflect modern risks or the need to better protect children. By raising the minimum age to 12, we can help ensure that children are kept safe!