Is Your Child Ready to Walk to School Alone?

Letting your child walk to school on their own is a big moment for the whole family. We’ve gathered simple tips to help you understand whether they’re ready, and what you can do to make the route safe while keeping your peace of mind.

When Can a Child Start Walking Alone?

Many parents find that children over age 7 can remember the route if the school is within about 1,5 miles. But this is always individual and depends a lot on a child’s discipline and sense of responsibility.

Even if you’ve walked the route together many times, start with a trial run while you quietly observe. This helps you see how your child behaves at each step, and step in quickly if something unexpected happens.

Afterward, talk with your child about how they felt on the way and whether they’re comfortable trying it by themselves.

Getting Ready for Independent Walks

Before letting your child go alone, it’s important to discuss two things: how confident they feel without adults nearby, and what the route includes — roads, traffic, public transportation, or just a walk through your neighborhood.

Let’s take a look at what matters. Ask yourself whether your child:

• Can say “no” when someone makes a strange or uncomfortable suggestion
• Can buy everything on a shopping list by themselves
• Knows how to read a map and use public transportation
• Remembers to charge their phone and monitor the battery level
• Knows who to turn to if they feel unsafe
• Can stay calm and act when something unexpected happens
• Can stand up for themselves without escalating a conflict
• Understands that they shouldn’t take food or drinks from other people

If you can answer “yes” to most of these questions, that’s a great sign. Start small with short errands like picking up something from the store or walking the dog. Then move forward as both you and your child feel comfortable — slowly and without pressure.

What a Child Should Know Before Walking Alone

Before you let your child go on their own, make sure they know what’s important. If something slipped their mind, that’s okay — just practice again.

1. Personal Information

A child should know by heart:

• Their full name
• Parents’ names
• Their full home address
• Parents’ phone numbers
• Any medical conditions and medications they need

2. The Route to School

Choose the route together: where it’s safest to cross the street, which areas to avoid. Show how to enter the building safely and how to use the elevator. Walk this path together several times.

And once your child starts walking alone, the Findmykids app helps you see where they are, when they arrive, and how long the walk takes.

3. How to Talk to Strangers

Kids need to know that if someone they don’t know starts a conversation, the safest response is:

“I don’t know you, and I’m not going to talk. I need to go.” And then walk away.

Practice different scenarios at home:

• Someone inviting them somewhere
• Asking for help
• Offering something to look at

It’s helpful to have one shared rule: even if it’s an adult they know, they must call a parent first to ask permission.

And make sure your child knows that in a dangerous situation, they should shout for help loudly and confidently.

How Parents Can Worry Less

As your child becomes more independent, parents have their own job — learning to trust while staying supportive.

What can help:

• Encourage your child’s initiative and their ability to say “no.”
• Talk about safety calmly, through play and real-life examples.
• Sign them up for an activity — sports or basic self-defense can build confidence.
• Show that you believe in them. That belief gives them strength.

Remember: a child should start walking to school alone only when both of you feel ready — your child and you. If you’re unsure, continue walking together. Confidence will grow over time, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

References

• 6 Little Things You Can Do Every Day to Make Your Child More Independent, Parents, 2023
• Overcoming Parental Anxiety: Rewire Your Brain to Worry Less and Enjoy Parenting More, D Kissen, M Ioffe, H Romain, 2022
• Road safety tips. Expert advice for protecting your family, UNICEF