At what age would you let your child babysit?

I think there is a difference between babysitting someone else's child and babysitting a sibling. A child is allowed to be left at home on their own at the age of 14, and I think at this age they should be responsible enough to babysit a younger brother or sister.

I think when it comes to babysitting a child of a family, then it should not be until they are 15 or 16. For babysitting as a part time job, where they may not know the child they are looking after, I don't think they should be babysitting at all unless they have been trained.

by Bryony Harrison

My brother and I started babysitting at 16, and it has worked well for us.

We were responsible and knew what to do in emergencies.

by Amelia

I think the age of 16 is appropriate.

by Lu Lu Belle

I don't.

Looking after a child by a child?
I don't think so.

by jonaja

Probably around 16 or 17 years.

by Ivana Katz

I would let my child maybe babysit at 15.

by Jordan Katz

Sixteen at least, if they're mature. It's a big responsibility. Ideally I'd want them to have done a first aid course first.

by Jennifer Muirhead

Probably at 14. It would depend on the kid and their maturity.

by Sarah Bell

Teenage years. It depends on how mature and responsible the child is.

by Justine Crowley

My daughter stated babysitting a friend's 4 and 6 year old when she was 14.

by thriftyfrugalfun

if its a sibling then around 9 or 10 but otherwise the law does not really allow it till after 18 in nsw but if a friend asked then probably 11 as thats when our child starts high school.
it really depends on the kids involved.
we really no not respect kids much in 2015!

by filli