Canada's Gig Economy Boosts Babysitting Demand Amid Youth Employment Boom

The Canadian Red Cross is holding training sessions for would-be babysitters in Toronto. The course covers first aid, leadership, and how to earn respect from children and parents.

According to a study by Vancouver-based polling firm Angus Reid Institute, almost 50% of young people are engaged in informal employment, with babysitting being the most popular job among teenagers since 2014.

Aryan Sekhavati, co-ordinating the sessions on behalf of the Red Cross, says demand for babysitters is high. He notes that while there's plenty of information available online about babysitting and first aid, learning in person is more effective.

The course teaches students how to prevent and respond to common issues like choking, poisoning, burns, and broken bones. It also covers the business side of babysitting, including earning money and gaining trust from parents.