The Children's Aid Society of London & Middlesex

The Child and Family Services Act states that "no person having charge of a child less than 16 years of age shall leave the child without making provision for his or her supervision and care that is reasonable in the circumstances". 

A parent/adult having charge of a child must make reasonable provision for the child's supervision and care, ensuring that the child is safe and well cared for.  

Neither the legislation nor the Ministry of Child and Youth Services provides CASs with any clear direction as to the age at which a child may be left unattended or be able to babysit other children.  

What Criteria Should I Use In Choosing A Babysitter? 

The Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex recommends that children not babysit until they are age 12 or preferably older.  

Children and youth who babysit should attend a recognized babysitting course.  

Babysitting courses are offered in London by: 

• Information London  
• St. John's Ambulance 
• Red Cross Society  

Make sure that the babysitter has information about how to get hold of you in an emergency, along with other emergency numbers…

Parents and adults should consider the following when making a decision regarding a babysitter: 

• Age and developmental levels of the babysitter and the child 
• Babysitter's level of confidence, knowledge of child care and behaviour towards children 
• Accessibility of parent/adult in charge/friends and neighbours in case assistance is needed 
• Ability to obtain assistance by the babysitter 
• Expectations and amount of responsibility of the babysitter 
• Number of children that will be with the babysitter 
• Time of day and length of time children will be with the babysitter  

When Can I Leave My Child Alone? 

The Child and Family Services Act states that “...no person having charge of a child less than 16 years of age shall leave the child without making provision for his or her supervision and care that is reasonable in the circumstances...” 

"Talk to your children...discuss their feelings about being left on their own...only you can decide whether they can handle it!"

What Should Parents Do? 

The Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex recommends that children less than 10 years of age not be left alone.  

The parent/adult in charge must make sure that the supervision and care is sufficient for the child. 

Parents should ensure that the supervision and care is sufficient for their children in their absence.

Parents Should Consider  

In considering whether a child under the age of 16 can be left unattended for a period of time, the parent should consider the following 

• Child's age 
• Child's developmental level 
• Child's ability to communicate 
• Time of day 
• Length of time the child will be alone 
• Amount of responsibility required of the child 
• Child's level of competence 
• Accessibility of parents/adults/ friends and neighbours if assistance is required 
• Safety of home environment and neighbourhood 
• Child's ability to handle previous similar situations