How young is too young for a babysitter in SC? Here’s what state law says
Do you have plans and can’t (or don’t want to) bring the kids?
With anniversary celebrations, events and all things in between, hiring a babysitter to have a night out makes sense, but how old should your babysitter be?
Most states do not have an established minimum age to babysit, but it is often suggested that you hire a babysitter whose age fits the laws regarding the minimum age for employment and the child labor laws in each state.
The only states that have set ages for babysitting are Maryland (13) and Illinois (14).
South Carolina does not have a set legal age for babysitting.
In South Carolina, no employment is authorized for minors under the age of 14, as interpreted under South Carolina Child Labor Statute 41-13-20 and 16 is the minimum age to work in South Carolina by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
But if your babysitter is under the age of 16, here are exemptions and restrictions for labor in South Carolina according to the South Carolina Child Labor Regulations:
- Minors ages 12 and 13 may work during non-school sessions in non-hazardous farm jobs with written parental consent.
- Minors under age 14 may work in any aspect of show business, such as acting or performing in a theatrical, television, radio, or film production.
- Minors ages 12 and 13 may engage in farm labor at any agricultural establishment at which the minor’s parents are employed.
- At any age, minors may work in any business or establishment which is 100% owned and operated by the parent of the minor.
But babysitters can be even younger. The American Red Cross suggests that 11 year olds can meet the minimum requirements to babysit.
How do I pick a babysitter?
Even without a set age restriction in South Carolina, when selecting a babysitter for your child, it is important to evaluate the maturity, experience and responsibility of the babysitter.
According to the American Red Cross, pinpointing a precise age to babysit is difficult because it often depends on the maturity of the child.
Here are some questions to consider when picking a babysitter:
Do they have a track record of being responsible or attentive to younger siblings?
Do they already babysit friends and family?
Do they volunteer or participate in extracurricular activities where childcare experience is required, such as an after-school tutoring program?
Can they keep themselves safe?
Do they know what to do and who to call in an emergency?
Can they handle activities of daily living, like hygiene, nutrition, and safety?
It is recommended that no matter the age of your babysitter, they are able to perform and respond to these tasks:
Do they know what to do if another child is hurt?
Can they provide healthy meals, maintain a schedule, and tidy the house?
Can they manage a child’s emotions and provide support if there is an argument or temper tantrum?
How much does the average babysitter cost?
According to Care.com, the average wage for a babysitter in Bluffton in December 2024 is $17.63 per hour.
The weekly rate is $705 for working a 40-hour week and the monthly cost is approximately $2,292 for 130 hours of work.
Here are the average starting rates for other nearby cities:
Hilton Head: $15.45
Beaufort: $16.11
Okatie: $15.56
Hardeeville: $20.40
The average babysitting wage in the state of South Carolina is $16.20 and the national average is $18.58.
The cost of each babysitter can fluctuate between the amount of time they are caring for your children and the number of children in the household.
Most parents and families throughout the Bluffton area pay $15 an hour for one child and $20 for multiple. For babysitters and dog sitters, the average local rate is around $25.
What’s important for babysitters to know?
It is recommended that babysitters know or be familiar with pediatric first aid, CPR and early childhood education.
Basic safety skills and maturity are also a must.
Here are some additional babysitting safety tips from the American Red Cross.
Identify emergency contact information: Prepare a list of emergency contacts, including phone numbers and addresses, and where to find emergency supplies. Make sure the hiring family also provides their emergency contact information.
Prepare instructions: Write down important information, such as time routines, allergies, or medications, and what to do in case of an emergency. Also, understand how to use any necessary household appliances or devices.
Set boundaries: Identify areas of the house that are off-limits and relay any internet, phone, or TV usage rules.
Practice: Before taking on a babysitter job, babysit siblings or family friends while an adult is still at home.
This story was originally published January 7, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "How young is too young for a babysitter in SC? Here’s what state law says."
