Babysitting
Overview
This information is to help you make an informed choice about babysitting, which usually means someone else caring for your child at home in the evenings.
Leaving your children in the care of someone else is a big responsibility, as is the welfare of the sitter.
There is no law in England and Wales to stop anyone of any age from babysitting.
A person under the age of 16 cannot be charged with neglect or ill treatment of a child left in their care.
Parents are responsible, and can be charged themselves if their child is harmed in any way.
The NSPCC recommend 16 years as a minimum age for a babysitter.