Most states do not have a specif age requirement at which children may be left home alone. However, it is not recommend that children be left home alone before the age of twelve. Although there are no laws which govern the age that a child may be left alone in most states, parents can still be charged with child endangerment in cases where a child is endangered or clearly should not have been left unattended. For children to be left home alone, there are of course basic safety precautions. Some experts state that children as young as seven may be left unattended for short periods of time after school. However, it is also advised that children can be injured or make poor judgment calls such as opening the door for strangers at that age.