Parents are generally responsible for (have liability for) intentional, willful, and malicious property damage done by their minor child. Parents may also be liable for the negligent acts of their minor child if the parents were (1) negligent in supervising the child (negligent supervision), or (2) negligent in entrusting the use of a car, gun, boat, motorcycle, or other item (often called an instrumentality) to the child (negligent entrustment).

These parental liability laws vary from state to state; often include age and monetary limits; and may be included in your state’s statutes—often in the family code.

In Pennsylvania, parents can be held liable for the willful and malicious acts of their minor children that result in property damage. The state's Parental Responsibility Law, specifically 23 Pa.C.S. § 5505, limits the liability to actual damages of no more than $1,000 for each act of vandalism or malicious destruction. Regarding negligent supervision, Pennsylvania common law may hold parents liable if it can be proven that they failed to exercise proper control and supervision over their child, leading to the child's negligent act. Additionally, under the doctrine of negligent entrustment, parents in Pennsylvania may be held liable if they negligently provide their child with an instrumentality, such as a vehicle or firearm, and the child causes harm with it. It's important to note that these laws are subject to interpretation by courts, and the specific circumstances of each case can significantly affect the outcome.