Survey Weighs Skills of Preteen Sitters

Preteen children who babysit are prepared to handle most emergencies, a study finds. But 40% revealed in a survey that they have left a child alone. About 20% said they have opened the door to a stranger. Researchers surveyed 727 preteen babysitters. Nearly all knew whom to contact in the case of an intruder or a fire and how to find first aid supplies. About 85% knew whom to contact in the case of a poisoning. About 64% knew where to find a fire extinguisher. About half of those surveyed had training in first aid, CPR or both. About 10% said they had needed to call 911 while babysitting. The emergencies included house fires and child falls, severe cuts and head injuries. The lead author said the study showed both the strengths and weaknesses of these young caregivers. Researchers presented the study October 3 at a conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics.