June 12th is World Day Against Child Labor. We use this day to recognize the child labor laws created to protect young workers in the workforce. This day recognizes and prompts action to stop child labor in all forms.
It is important to stay up to date on your state’s child labor laws as these laws may differ in each state and to ensure all young workers are being treated correctly according to the law. The federal child labor provisions, authorized by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA), more commonly known as child labor laws, were enacted to ensure that when young people work, the job and work tasks are safe and do not jeopardize their health, well-being, or educational opportunities.
As a general rule of thumb, it is important for employees, parents, and young workers to understand what these laws are and where they can find them to stay educated:
- YouthRules! describes the requirements of the child labor laws and how they relate to teens, parents, educators, and employers
- Child Labor Bulletin No. 101 describes the occupational requirements for nonagricultural employment
- Child Labor Bulletin No. 102 describes the occupational and hour limitations for agricultural employment of minors
- A Short Guide to Child Labor in Non-Agricultural Jobs found on the U.S. Department of Labors Wage and Hour Division page can be accessed to learn about the hours and occupations limitations for non-agricultural employment
- State Child Labor Laws found on the DOLs Child Labor page provide links to state employment laws that can regulate the employment of young workers
Any minor can be regulated by these laws, however, each state may differ on the restrictions for certain ages. According to international standards on the minimum age for work, children under 15 are engaged in child labor. The international child labor standards set the minimum age for light work at 13, general employment at 15, and hazardous work at 18 but can be lowered to 16 under strict conditions.
For example, in Arizona, A.R.S 23-233 restricts the hours that youth under the age of 16 can work. “No one under the age of 16 can work more than 3 hours on a school day when enrolled in school on a day when school is in session and 8 hours on a non-school day for a total of 18 hours per week.”
All parents, employers, educators, and minors must be aware of child labor laws to ensure these laws are followed. These laws are in place to protect our youth and must be followed and understood by anyone in the workplace including young workers.