How old does a babysitter have to be?

[Iris100]

Is there a legal age at which a child can babysit for younger children? A daughter of a friend is 14, very responsible, keen to do it. But is it too young to be left in sole charge for an evening? does anyone know?

I think the legal age is 14. I don't know why i think that though.

i think 14 is ok but if something went wrong it would be your responsibility not hers.i used to do it at 13 or 14 but tbh dont think i could have a 14 year babysitter for mine.

There is no law. It is up to you to make the decision. If the decision turns out to be wrong then it will be up to you to justify that decision.
Personally I have used a 14 year old babysitter, but she was an exceptionally mature and sensible 14 year old and her mum was nearby for emergencies. If you feel comfortable and you are confident that this girl would know how to cope in an emergency then go for it.

i think it depends on the 14 year old too.you could have a very immature and perfectly useless 50 year old (we had 50 plus year old babysitter who left my children while she checked her dog).