Teenagers as babysitters- what age?

[ProtectiveMother]

Hi all

I have a 3 & 7 y.o and was wondering, if they were well and in bed asleep, what age is my paid babysitter allowed to be? I know a 12 year old who has just started high school who is v responsible & trustworthy (but prob too young?). There wouldn't be any Childcare involved.

12 is too young.

Minimum 14 but I personally would use someone 16+ and preferably someone I know or know the parents of or have connections to generally.

DD is 20 and babysits for a family with a 14 year old if the parents are going out somewhere further than the nearest town.

BackforGod can she write to her old primary school and ask for her ad to be placed in the newsletter? Or can she make a really good and professional looking notice to hand out on your street explaining all her qualifications.

DD started babysitting at 15 and made her first contacts by going round the local houses with a note, she knocked on the doors, introduced herself and handed over the note. Often the kids would come to the door with the mother and so she could chat to the children to show she is good at building a rapport with the children.
Because she could point to our house and say 'I live just there! and I go to X school' many parents felt like she wasn't so unknown.

I wouldn't let my 12 yo babysit

It's too much responsibility and not fair on her despite her being very sensible

I've never left my dc with anyone under 16

Thanks DalmationDots - unfortunately (for this purpose - it's great otherwise) all our neighbours are retired, except one family who have two older teens themselves to look after their younger dc, but I'll put the Primary School thought to her.

My DD has just started secondary school and will be 12 in a couple of months. We still use a babysitter for her.