The age of accountability is continually changing, so what is the age now? Is it safe to say a child that is old enough to stay home alone is old enough to be held accountable for their actions? In 13 states there are laws allowing a child from the age of 8 to 14, based on maturity guidelines, to stay home alone (Qtd. in the Huffing Post). Although many parents believe the maturity guidelines are too restrictive on more socially reserved children. In one mother’s opinion her 7-years-old boy is a socially reserved child and like her a homebody who prefers solitude (Heiselt). This led her to believe it was safe to assume he’s more matured than he is.
Preferring solitude cannot always be taken as a sign of maturity in children. In Jefferson County Tennessee a socially reserved 11-year-old boy was left home alone only to get into an argument with the neighbors 8-year-old baby girl over holding a puppy. This day ended in …show more content…
So, how can parents truly trust the guidelines that pulled such terrible situations to the forefront of their minds? All the while arguing that the same rules are too strict because a child holds their tongue. This is seen as lacking on the parents. To not see that if there is such an appalling problem had arisen only days after they had to notify the school of the continuous physical harassment.
What age is a child truly responsible for not only their selves but also others? In many cases very young children take these crimes as a chance to test their limits. Is it right for him to be tried or is he just too young (Holloway)? Cases like this litter the world with heartache for the loss of youth but did these children truly see the errors of their ways. Most pediatricians know that children learn from the positive and negative reactions around them and are advised to tell parents about supportive discipline methods (American Academy of
Preferring solitude cannot always be taken as a sign of maturity in children. In Jefferson County Tennessee a socially reserved 11-year-old boy was left home alone only to get into an argument with the neighbors 8-year-old baby girl over holding a puppy. This day ended in …show more content…
So, how can parents truly trust the guidelines that pulled such terrible situations to the forefront of their minds? All the while arguing that the same rules are too strict because a child holds their tongue. This is seen as lacking on the parents. To not see that if there is such an appalling problem had arisen only days after they had to notify the school of the continuous physical harassment.
What age is a child truly responsible for not only their selves but also others? In many cases very young children take these crimes as a chance to test their limits. Is it right for him to be tried or is he just too young (Holloway)? Cases like this litter the world with heartache for the loss of youth but did these children truly see the errors of their ways. Most pediatricians know that children learn from the positive and negative reactions around them and are advised to tell parents about supportive discipline methods (American Academy of