The Hornell YMCA where many of our children enjoy spending time at is no longer allowing children under the age of 13 to use the facilities without a parent or guardian. We as parents should be able to decide if our children are mature enough to be in a gymnasium and play basketball without parental supervision. 

According to the Office of Children and Family Services, regarding the appropriate age to leave a child alone, or what age is appropriate to allow a child to begin babysitting. There are no straightforward answers to these questions. All children develop at their own rate, and with their own special needs and abilities. Some children are responsible, intelligent, and independent enough to be left alone at 10-13 years of age. Likewise, there are some teenagers who are too irresponsible or who have special needs that limit their ability to be safe if they are left alone. Parents and guardians need to make intelligent, reasoned decisions regarding these matters.

Consider the child: How mature is the child? How comfortable is the child with the circumstances? What has the child done in the past to show you he/she is able to take on this kind of responsibility?

Consider the child's knowledge and ability: Does the child know how and when to contact emergency help? Is the child able to prepare food for him/herself? Are there hazards to the child in the environment such as accessible knives, power tools, a stove or oven?

Consider the circumstances: Where will the child be when left alone? How long is the child to be alone?

This is a big example of why most children/ young adults end up in trouble in our area. Please help make a change and have this age changed. 

Please sign!