For children starting secondary school, September is likely to come with some increased independence, which could include both walking to school and staying home alone.

But just as there is no 'one size fits all' approach to giving a child their first mobile phone, other aspects of growing up come with few hard and fast rules for families too.

According to research conducted by YouGov under the title 'Unaccompanied Minor' 10 is the average age that the majority of British parents feel it safe for a child to walk to school without an adult.

The start of secondary school also often introduces different options for travelling to and from school such as independent bus travel and/or the opportunity to walk home alone or with friends.

According to the charity Family Lives, a survey which it carried out with Living Streets as part of a national Walk to School Week in 2014, found that parents 'disproportionately' fear their offspring being abducted or killed in a road accident over the more likely threat to their health from childhood obesity and inactivity.

More than 1,000 parents were asked what they fear most for their children (from a given list) and 30% stated abduction or murder, with only 5% revealing a fear for their child’s poor health in later life due to a lack physical activity.

Family Lives says although there is about a one in a million chance of a child being taken by a stranger, the risk of severe health issues and early mortality as a result of the lack of physical activity is thought to be one in three.

Often coinciding with children making their way to and from school by themselves for the first time is youngsters being given their first door key to the family home and perhaps spending time home alone until parents or other siblings arrive.

The NSPCC says, once again, there is no specific rule or age limit as to when parents can and should leave children indoors by themselves.

Louise Exton, NSPCC helpline manager, explained: “Leaving your child home alone can be a difficult decision as children mature at different ages – there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer.

"Parents are best placed to know what is right for their child so it’s vital there is flexibility for them to them to decide, but we would urge them to think carefully and use their common sense when deciding if their child could cope.”

Despite this, the NSPCC has issued the following guidance to help parents and carers decide when to leave children home alone...

• Babies, toddlers and very young children should never be left alone.

• Children under the age of 12 are rarely mature enough to cope in an emergency and should not be left at home alone for a long period of time.

• Children under the age of 16 should not be left alone overnight.

• Parents and carers can be prosecuted for neglect if it is judged that they placed a child at risk by leaving them at home alone.

• A child should never be left at home alone if they do not feel comfortable with it, regardless of their age.

• If a child has additional needs, these should be considered when leaving them at home alone or with an older sibling.

• When leaving a younger child with an older sibling think about what may happen if they were to have a falling out - would they both be safe?

For more guides and support for parents and families who are looking to support their children in becoming more independent visit the NSPCC website by clicking here.