Cognitive psychologist Barbara Sarnecka of the University of California, Irvine, wondered if moral judgment, rather than rational concern, may play a part in the American attitude toward briefly leaving a child alone-a social norm that is not universally shared around the globe. [This article was originally published with the title "Are the Kids All Right?" and included in a previous article list.]

For the full story, please visit https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/when-can-you-leave-a-child-unattended/.