By the time my son was 12-13 he logged 100's of hours in stands with me. Had many encounters with deer that were just let go to walk by us. At 14 yo I had no problem with him in his own stand and i get what you are saying. He is 18 now and I am still nervous when he goes on his own. I think its just being a dad. My buddys kid is 14 now and no way should he be left on his own. Good kid, but has alot of growing up to do (deer hunting wise) before I would leave him alone. So, every kid is different and should be treated that way.