The federal child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) 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.
Child Labor Enforcement: Keeping Young Workers Safe
Most Requested
Dangerous Jobs
Find out what jobs and tasks are off-limits for anyone under 18 years of age.
YouthRules.gov
Learn how young workers can have safe and rewarding work experiences.
Common Questions
Common Child Labor Violations
Working longer or later than legally allowed
Driving a motor vehicle or forklift
Performing jobs that are off-limits for their age
Employer Self-Assessment Tools
These tools can assist employers with the child labor provisions by providing guidance for employers to evaluate their level of compliance.
General Grocery Stores Restaurants
Other Resources
- Civil Money Penalties for FLSA Child Labor Violations
- Child Labor Bulletin No. 101: Describes requirements for minors in most jobs.
- Child Labor Bulletin No. 102: Describes limitations for minors working on ranches and farms.
- Field Assistance Bulletin 2023-4: Assessment of Child Labor Civil Money Penalties
- Field Assistance Bulletin 2023-3: Prohibitions against the shipment of “Hot Goods” under the Child Labor Provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act
- The FLSA: Law that establishes the child labor provisions for the employment of young workers.
- 29 CFR Part 570: Regulations of the child labor provisions under the FLSA.
- elaws Advisors on Child Labor Rules: Provides guidelines for the employment of young workers in most jobs.
- FAQs on School-Based Vocational Education Programs
