As children and young people become older they want more grown up responsibilities and to be able to do more adult-like activities. We have provided guidance on some legal and best practice ages for children:

0-3 years old

• Can start nursery.

• Can start pre-school. All three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free pre-school nursery education for 38 weeks of the year. This applies until they reach compulsory school age. Further information: Directgov

5 years old

• Compulsory age to attend school.
• Can watch a U or a PG movie.
• Can fly unaccompanied to a single destination, but not connecting flights.

7-8 years old

• Can open and draw money from a National Savings Account or Trustee Savings Bank.
• Children can swim alone provided that they meet the pools minimum height requirement and can swim 2 widths of the pool.
• Average age children have their first mobile phone.

10 years old

• The child has full criminal responsibility for their actions and can be convicted of a criminal offence.
• Children aged 10 years and over can swim unaccompanied by an adult.

11-12 years old

• Start secondary school.
• If a child is arrested, they can be kept in police detention or in local authority accommodation, including secure accommodation.
• Can watch, rent or buy a 12A film unaccompanied by an adult. 
• Can have a paper round.
• Average age parents start to let their children walk to school alone.
• Can sit in the front seat of a car without a booster seat.

13 years old

• Can get a part-time job (only for a limited amount of hours).
• Can open an online social networking account on websites such as facebook.
• Average age children are allowed to start babysitting. Further information: NSPCC

14 years old

• Children are fully responsible for their actions from 14 years old. If they commit a criminal offence they will be treated the same as an adult.
• Can give evidence in a court case.
• Responsible for wearing own seat-belt.

15 years old

• Can watch, rent or buy a 15 film unaccompanied by an adult.

16 years old

• Can stay at school for further education.
• Can leave school and have a full-time job.
• Can have sex.
• Can get married with consent from one parent.
• Can buy a lottery ticket.
• Can get a licence to drive a 50cc moped.
• Can receive a national insurance number.
• Can join the Armed Forces with your parents' consent.

17 years old

• Can get a licence to drive vehicles.
• Can give blood.
• Can be sent to prison.
• Can apply for a pilot's licence.

18 years old

• Can vote in general and local elections.
• Can buy and drink alcohol.
• Can buy and smoke cigarettes.
• Can bet.
• Can be a member of a jury.
• Can leave home.
• Can watch, rent or buy a 18 film unaccompanied by an adult.
• Can purchase fireworks.