How young is too young to babysit in Georgia? Learn more about what’s legal in the state

Chelsea Madden
·2 min read

For 84% of parents, it is difficult to find time away from their kids due to the challenge of finding a sitter, according to a 2023 Care.com survey.

The survey found a number of things parents look for when trying to find a sitter. Background checks, experience and certifications are at the top of the list.

But what about age? How important is the age of your sitter? Are there any age requirements in Georgia?

Here’s what we know:

How old do you need to be in Georgia to babysit?

Perhaps you’re looking for a babysitter for a date night, or maybe your child is looking for a babysitting gig in order to make some extra cash this summer. Either way, here’s what to know about age requirements for babysitting in Georgia.

Well, in Georgia, there are no specific laws pertaining to how old or young you need to be to babysit, but the Georgia Department of Human Services has some guidelines:

“Children 13 years and older, who are at an adequate level of maturity, may be left alone and may perform the role of babysitter, as authorized by the parent, for up to 12 hours,” as stated in a Supervision Guidelines document.

But wait, what does “adequate level of maturity” mean?

“In order to babysit, a child needs the next level of maturity after being able to stay home alone, and then also check the boxes of being able to take care of another child,” said Ali Hamroff, a licensed psychotherapist, in an interview with Care.com.

Specifically, Hamroff said to look for these things:

  • See if the child can keep themselves safe, know what to do and who to call in an emergency.

  • Also see if they can handle activities of daily living, such as hygiene, nutrition and safety.

  • See if the child knows what to do if another child is hurt.

  • See if they can perform tasks such as provide healthy meals, maintain a schedule and keep the house tidy.

What if your child is in foster care and in need of a sitter?

There are some laws regarding the supervision of foster children in Georgia:

Georgia law states that a caregiver of a foster child may have a short-term babysitter watch the child, as long as the babysitter is 18 or older. In this case, the short-term babysitter may watch the child for 72 consecutive hours only and the caregiver must provide the following for the sitter:

  • Information about the child’s emotional, behavioral, medical and physical condition, if any, necessary to provide care for such child during the short-term babysitting period;

  • Any medication that should be administered to such child in foster care during the short-term babysitting period; and

  • Emergency contact information that is valid for the duration of the short-term babysitting period.

Have more questions? Let me know at cmadden@mcclatchy.com

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