At what age can a child be left in charge of younger children?
The law does not say. It may be acceptable for a child of 13 or 14 to be left alone for short periods, but it would not be acceptable for the same child to be placed in charge of younger children. It is better not to ask anyone under 16 to look after a young child. Where a babysitter is under the age of 16 the parents remain legally responsible to ensure that their child comes to no harm.
