Pop sensation Madonna recently flew to the UK from America to keep an eye on son Rocco, 16, in London, whilst his father Guy Ritchie went on a trip to L.A. leaving him home alone.
Guy and Madonna recently locked horns in an eight-month long custody battle over Rocco, that resulted in the decision that he will remain predominantly in his father's care in London.
Reportedly feeling ‘concerned’ for Rocco and worried he might skip school, Madonna made the decision to fly over.
Do you think 16 is too young to leave your child at home alone?
What age would you be happy to leave them alone, regardless of the length of time you’d be away?
The Loose Women panel also debated the topic on today’s (16 September) show, with regular panellist Katie Price revealing that she is adamant that she won’t leave her children alone until they’re at least 18-years-old.
“I wouldn't [leave them at home] at that age. I would not go on holiday and leave them at home. No way. 18 would be the age where I woul," Katie revealed, with Coleen Nolan nodding in agreement.
However, Kaye Adams disagreed, stating that children have to have a level of independence, just like she experienced.
“I went on holiday when I was 16 with a bunch of girls for the weekend with no 'grown-ups'," Kaye revealed.
"I left home at 17, I was living in a flat, so although as a mum it gives me the absolute heebie jeebies, I think if they are capable at that age and I survived, why not?
"You need to give a child responsibility.”
Because of the differing opinions, we opened up a poll to our readers and received some astonishing results.
At the time of writing, 54% of you would be happy to leave your child at home between the ages of 15-17, 31% of you would when they were 11-14 and only 15% of you agreed with Katie Price.
One user, Susan, admitted that her child didn’t have a house key until they were 16 and at college.
What do you think? Is 16 too young? Does it depend on the maturity of the child or would you just not take that risk? Do you think, in this day and age, there are many more risks that when you were young?
Let us know over on Facebook and Twitter (@CloserOnline).