Health Tip: Does Your Child Still Need a Sitter?

(HealthDay News) -- There's no standard age at which a child can safely stay home alone. It depends on the individual and his or her maturity and responsibility.

The University of Michigan Health System says before a child can stay alone, he or she should be able to:

• Make appropriate decisions.
• Handle an emergency.
• Behave in a mature manner.
• Be trusted to follow all the rules of the house.
• Follow safety guidelines, especially in an emergency.
• Use the phone independently.