babysitters and the law

This is a question thats been on my mind for some time. It doesnt really apply to my situation personally since I dont use babysitters but I have wondered.

When I was young, I was in the “Brownies” and once old enough, I was a girl scout. One of the badges that you earned was for being a Mothers Helper or Babysitter. Once you reached age 13, you were able to seek babysitting jobs - and I did actually babysit.

Now, if you are a parent and leave a 13 year old child alone at home and god forbid something happens, you’ll be investigated and possibly lose your child, maybe for just a few hours but still.

So is there a difference when there is a 13 year old babysitter? Or these days, is it not allowed or what?

Re: babysitters and the law

I thought a 12 yr old is allowed to stay home by herself. Anything younger than that is not permitted. May vary from state to state

Re: babysitters and the law

Babysitters are haram...

Re: babysitters and the law

LOL @ kaleem.

It's a very subjective question. I know 12 year olds that are very, very mature and I know 18 year olds that shouldn't be left alone yet.

I think the law states that a 12 year old can be left home alone....at least here in Ontario.

Re: babysitters and the law

Ah, the internet does know everything … http://www.nccic.org/poptopics/homealone.html

Re: babysitters and the law

i when i was 13 like 2 yrs ago, my mom left me in the house. If you tell your child to lock up, htey'll be fine because when my mom used to say something about a babysitter i wud think that she doesn't trust me for some reason

Re: babysitters and the law

I was really just wondering about the laws here, I dont think I'll leave my littles at home even when they're 30 lol! But anyway, heres the thing that I wonder about....

A parent leaves a 13 year old at home alone. Something bad happens and parents go to jail for neglect.
-OR-
A parent hires a 13 year old babysitter for a couple of hours to watch a 4 year old. Something bad happens. Much sympathy goes to parents and to babysitter and no further questions asked.

Isnt that a bit odd?