I can only speak for my narrow corner of the world, but highschool babysitters are definitely normal in my suburban town just south of Nashville, Tennessee. The article also talks about babysitters in the 11 - 13 year old range. We were at a birthday party recently where one mother was recommending her daughter for less demanding baby sitting, and she referred to the role as a "mommy's helper". She described the role as doing laundry, dishes, helping with cooking, watching / playing with the kids and helping with homework, but that there would still be an adult in the house. So I guess that kind of matches the point of the article that 11 - 13 year olds aren't really seen as "on their own babysitters" any more. Our baby sitters have always been at least highschool age.