Anonymous asked in Pregnancy & ParentingParenting · 4 weeks ago

Would this be considered child abuse?

If a single parent goes out 5 times a week (during the night), doesn’t get back until 3-4 am and leaves their 14 year old to babysit two toddlers would this be considered child abuse? 

10 Answers

  • 3 weeks ago

    Not abuse but definitely neglect and just so wrong on so many levels. Something has to change about that.

  • 3 weeks ago

    I wouldn't say that this is abuse but it's kind of irresponsible though. If the 14 year old is being made to babysit occasionally then that's perfectly fine and it teaches responsibility. If this is being done all the time, then that's definitely being irresponsible.

  • 3 weeks ago

    A mature 14 year old can get emancipated in many states, get a job, even get a permit to drive (ie. South Dakota). No, it is not abuse. It means the parents trust the 14 year old.

  • John P
    Lv 7
    3 weeks ago

    Not in my book. But it certainly shows child neglect, lack of care for those children, etc.

  • Anonymous
    4 weeks ago

    It is not actually "abuse".

    But it does border on child neglect.

    Those are two different situations.  Abuse is either emotional or physical harm actually being done by the parent (or other adult) to the child.

    Neglect is when you haven't actually done anything physical or emotional to hurt the child but you are leaving the child in situations that they should have had adult supervision or adult guidance to deal with.  Leaving children alone during those hours of the night could easily be considered neglect since those hours are the higher risks for emergency situations to happen.

  • Edward
    Lv 5
    4 weeks ago

    No, you just trust the child to take care of the two kids. 

  • 4 weeks ago

    Yes, because the 14 year old is a minor and should still be be supervised by an adult most of the time and particularly at night.

    • Tommy3 weeks agoReport

      A 14 year old is a young adult, not a child. In most places around he world a 14 year old can get a job, consent to sex, drive a car and get emancipated (even in the US)

  • 4 weeks ago


  • Jill
    Lv 7
    4 weeks ago

    No. Child abuse is physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment but this would definitely be considered neglect.

    Child neglect encompasses abandonment; lack of appropriate supervision; failure to attend to necessary emotional or psychological needs; and failure to provide necessary education, medical care, nourishment, shelter, and/or clothing.

  • 4 weeks ago

    I wouldnt day abuse, but very irresponsible, and borderline neglect

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