The federal youth employment provisions, authorized by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938, also known as the child labor laws, were enacted to ensure that when young people work, the work is safe and does not jeopardize their health, well-being or educational opportunities. These provisions also provide limited exemptions.
General Guidance
YouthRules! Describes the requirements of the youth employment laws as they relate to teens, parents, educators and employers.
Child Labor Bulletin No. 102 Describes the occupational and hours limitiations for agricultural employment for minors.
State Youth Employment Laws Links to state employment laws which also regulate the employment of young workers.
Fact Sheets
Amusement
Parks (PDF) Provides the youth employment requirements for youth
employment in amusement parks and recreational establishments.
Cooking and Baking (PDF) Information
concerning cooking and baking activities under the federal youth employment provisions.
Driving
Automobiles and Trucks (PDF) General information concerning the
application for the federal provisions for driving motor vehicles.
Teen
Driving (PDF) Explains the youth employment requirements for minors
to operate motor vehicles.
Employing Youth In Restaurants (PDF) Provides general information concerning the application to youth employment in restaurants and quick service establishments.
Power-Driven Balers and Compactors (PDF) General information concerning youth employment as it relates to loading, unloading and operation of scrap paper balers and paper box compactors.
Recreation
Establishments (PDF) Provides the youth employment
requirements for youth employment in amusement parks
and recreational establishments.
Visits
to Employers (PDF) Provides general information
about Wage and Hour Investigations.
Wood Processing Industries (PDF) Preliminary guidance concerning changes under the FLSA that impact employment of minors exempt from compulsory school attendance laws in businesses where machine process wood products.
e-Tools
elaws Youth Employment Rules Provides guidelines for the employment of workers under the age of 18 in nonagricultural occupations.