What Are Youth Labor Laws?  

It is important to understand the laws that protect youth in the workplace, so that they can navigate their first work experiences safely and legally while balancing school and work.  Youth labor laws exist to ensure that young people can gain valuable work experience in a safe and supportive environment. These laws regulate:

• Minimum age requirements 

• Permissible work hours during school and non-school days

• Types of jobs allowed for specific age groups

• Required permits or documentation

• Protections related to hazardous work
  
  

Students Should Know:  

• How many hours they can work during the school year 

• What kinds of jobs are safe and legal for their age 

• What paperwork might be needed (like a work permit)

Important links to bookmark:  

• Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA)

• Youth Law