Child Labor
Explore the stipulations of the FLSA regarding child labor, providing an understanding of the current laws and regulations that dictate labor practices for minors.
Employees & Child Labor Provisions
Employees of organizations that are not covered under FLSA are still subject to child labor provisions if their organization engages in interstate commerce. As a general rule, if an organization's business crosses state lines in any respect, more than likely, they are subject to child labor provisions.
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when it comes to child labor:
Individuals who are 18 and older are considered adults, and based on federal law, can work any job and be employed for unlimited hours in any occupation.
Wage and hour restrictions for a 16-17 year old are in place to protect them from exploitation and ensure they are fairly compensated for their work. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) states that a 16-17 year old can only work between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and no more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week.
Wage and hour restrictions for a 14-15 year old are regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 14-15 year olds are limited to working only 3 hours per school day, 8 hours per non-school day, 18 hours per school week, and 40 hours per non-school week.
Child Labor Penalties for Employers
Child labor laws are strict and employers that violate these laws can face severe penalties. Employers can be fined or even charged with a criminal offense if they are found to be in violation of child labor laws. Penalties may include hefty fines, loss of business license, or even jail time. Employers should make sure to comply with all relevant child labor laws in order to avoid any potential penalties.
Common Wage and Hour Child Labor Myths
Child labor is a complex and controversial issue, and many myths can arise around wages and hours for young workers. These myths can often be based on outdated or incorrect information, or on the misinterpretation of the laws in place to protect young workers.
Here are some myths to look out for:
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All teenagers are legally allowed to work.
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Child labor laws don’t apply to family businesses.
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There’s no age limit for working in a restaurant.
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Child labor laws don’t apply to agricultural work.
Understand Child Labor Laws with wage and hour training
Child labor laws are important to understand and comply with when running a business. Wage and hour training for employers and employees will help ensure that all laws are being followed, including minimum wage requirements, overtime wage standards, restrictions on the number of hours minors may work, and prohibitions on hazardous occupations.
Helping over 8,000+ organizations create a safer, more inclusive company culture.
EasyLlama’s online training course guides employers to understanding the rights employees have in the workplace. There are many wage and hour laws, and each one is designed to provide employees with safeguards from a potentially hostile work environment. The course covers:
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