Can children shop alone in Mississippi stores? What to know
Whether you want to let your child do your grocery shopping for you or just want some time alone to shop at the mall, there are a few things Mississippi parents need to know before letting their child go shopping by themselves.
How young is too young to shop alone?
While there is no specific Mississippi law about what age parents can let their children go shopping unsupervised, there are other guidelines to know.
According to the Mississippi Department of Human Services’ Child Protective Services (CPS) website, there is no set age a child can be alone at home or in public, but the Department advises parents to decide when their child is mature enough to be alone.
In addition, parents should consider how safe the area is and how to avoid certain unfavorable or dangerous situations.
“If the child is too young to make decisions or is unable to make good decisions and know where to go for help, then the child is too young to be alone,” said Louise Davis, a child and family development specialist with Mississippi State University’s Extension Service. “If you and your child both decide the child is ready to take on the responsibility, talk about what that responsibility entails.”
So, can you get in trouble for letting your kids shop alone?
Sure, there’s no law about it, but you still can get into trouble if someone files a complaint with the state.
“If your child is given large amounts of independence—especially if such independence is inappropriate for their age—someone could make a report with DFCS who may investigate and attempt to work with your family to come up with a plan to ensure the parents are meeting their child’s mental, physical, and emotional needs,” said a representative with Coil Law Professionals.
To ensure your child’s safety, here are some other things to consider:
According to Care.com, parents should also ask the following questions before letting their child go somewhere alone:
- Take a look at where your child will be walking, and even the area around it if they wander.
- Is there a proper sidewalk or bike lane?
- Are there places to stop for help or to go to the bathroom?
- Is it well-lit and lively and does it have proper traffic lights and pedestrian crossings?
- Is there a destination point or a meeting place if your child gets lost, tired, scared or sick?
Do you have more questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
This story was originally published June 10, 2025 at 3:25 PM.
