Can I hire a 12-year-old as a babysitter? If this is not possible under the law, can the occupational safety and health authority grant an exemption for the work?

You may not hire a 12-year-old as a babysitter, and no derogation permit can be granted for this. Working in an employment relationship in Finland is completely prohibited for persons under the age of 13 and for those aged 13 who will not turn 14 during the current calendar year (Young Workers’ Act 998/1993).