Children on trains alone.

[Frenchda]

I cant make my own mind up so are just after opinions.

Sensible 13 & 10 year old girls - put on a train by mother, 1hr 20min journey direct and met by me. Sat morning and Sun afternoon.

Thoughts please ladies & gents.

[Christian85]

If you are happy for them to travel then let them, if not don’t.

[miniman]

I travelled to and from school by train from age 11. Admittedly, quite some time ago.

[Nickp82]

I would allow it - I assume at least one of the girls has a mobile? Although if they were my kids (We have boys of slightly younger age) my Mrs would definitely overrule me!

[cuprabob]

Personally, I don't see the issue, they'll be fine.

[randlemarcus]

Assuming its an EOW job, it's that or you drive to collect and deliver. One doing one trip and the other the other won't fly, now the train has been tried.

[bennettse2025]

Traveled by train to and from school from age 13. Though it was only a 15 minute journey. Once ended up accidentally getting an express commuter train and ended up in Charing cross 35 minutes later

[mac96]

I wouldn't worry. I travelled to school every day on my own by train and bus from 10, with no phone and no problems.

More recently, my daughter was travelling between Edinburgh and York or London, delivered and picked up at the ends, from 13 or so.

We found train staff to be very good on long journeys- you can make them aware the child is there if it makes you all feel better.

Basically if you and the child are comfortable- do it.

[crankedup]

If the kid have been brought up correctly they will be fine on a train journey. At some point they have to be able to go out onto the World and continue to learn. Local train journey is part of the learning imo.

[donkmeister]

miniman said:

I travelled to and from school by train from age 11. Admittedly, quite some time ago.

Me too.

Also we had paedos and terrorists to contend with even back then, and we didn't have mobile phones let alone smart phones that doubled as gps trackers for parents.

It comes down to the child, I'd say.

ETA that came across a bit oldman. I'm 37! Good on OP for considering it, many wouldn't even consider it.

Edited by donkmeister on Friday 22 June 14:50

[hornmeister]

If there's someone to make sure they get on the right train and it's direct I don't see any issue if the girls are OK with it.

It amazes me that 14 year olds get driven to school when I used to walk at 8. I couldn't wait to be able to go on my own. Parents are so embarrassing.

[matjk]

Kids in China are building skyscrappers and iphones at that age, In Syria they are on the front line, in Africa they already have family's of there own, a good thing kids here get a chance to be kids

[Reffro]

My Mum used to put me on the bus when I was 3 going on 4 to travel to my Nana's. 35 mins across town and my Nana would be waiting for me to get off.

Aged 13 onwards, I was flying on my own to Saudi Arabia. Then it used to be me travelling to West Indies on the train/plane from aged 15 on with my little sister (12).

I'm still here 30 years later.

Provided your children are confident and sensible I see no issues.

[RTB]

Can't see the problem but I understand the concern. I'm only just coming to terms with the idea of my 9 year old walking 200 yards round the corner to the local shop. When I was 9 I was cycling to different towns on my BMX.

They'll be fine, just tell them if they mess about the conductor will stop the train and throw them off - at the side of the track

[S11Steve]

My ex would regularly put her two kids of similar age on the train at Manchester, and their father would meet them in London at the other end.
The train staff can be notified to keep an eye on them, but as long as they had a full charge on their phone and some sweets and drinks, they were fine.

[Rick101]

Absolutely fine.

If concerned book a passenger assist or just ask the train guard* to keep an eye on them.

(*Whilst we still have them)

[CoolHands]

2 together, especially one at 13, fine.

[meb90]

I was travelling around the country on trains by myself (OK admitted I am male if it matters), from the age of about 14. I'm 28 now so not that long ago. I did have a mobile, but I rarely needed it.

[GetCarter]

I visited every London Tube station in my summer hols aged 11. By myself. (A self imposed project).

And I do mean every station, getting out at random and looking around. Was great fun. More kids should do this.

[Riley Blue]

if they're familiar with the sights, sounds and smells of train travel, why not? Even if they're not, it will still be a 'big adventure' at their age rather than a scary experience. Advise the train staff if possible and sit them in a conspicuous place; they'll be fine.