Parents of young workers need to know what employers can and cannot require of their children in the workplace. Below are a few resources to help parents learn more about federal and state labor laws.
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) child labor provisions are designed to protect the educational opportunities of minors and prohibit their employment in jobs and under conditions detrimental to their health and well-being. The provisions include restrictions on hours of work for minors under 16 and lists of hazardous occupations orders for both farm and non-farm jobs declared by the Secretary of Labor to be too dangerous for minors to perform. Further information on hazardous occupations and workplace safety is available from the Department of Labor's local Wage & Hour offices.
Webpages on this Topic
Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) Resources for Youth
ODEP's focus on youth policy is aimed at improving transition outcomes of youth and young adults with disabilities toward successful employment and adulthood.
YouthRules!
Web site that seeks to promote positive and safe work experiences for young workers.
What Hours Can Youth Work?
Specific information on permissible work hours for minor employees.
How Many Hours Can Young Workers Work?
Additional information on work hours.
How Many Hours Per Day Or Per Week Can An Employee Work?
Additional information on work hours.
elaws Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Advisor - Child Labor Rules
This Advisor answers questions about workers and businesses that are subject to the FLSA's child labor rules.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
A nationally recognized source of career information, designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives. Revised every two years, the Handbook describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations.
Career Information for Kids: The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Kids Page
Gives information about different careers and their educational requirements. Written for a youth audience.
Youth Programs of the Employment and Training Administration
Explore these pages and links for up-to-date information about the Department's youth programs, initiatives and directives, legislation and regulations, and other information working to positively impact our nation's youth.
Job Corps
Job Corps is the nation's largest and most comprehensive residential education and job training program for at-risk youth.
State Labor Offices/State Laws
Information on state minimum wage rates and other state child labor topics.
State Departments of Labor Websites
Links to state departments of labor websites and contact information for each department.
Related Webpages on this Topic
AmeriCorps
The Corporation for National Service is the domestic version of the Peace Corps, in which citizens volunteer for one year tutoring at-risk youth, building housing, helping senior citizens live independently, and other activities.