Hiring Teens for Summer Help? Better Brush Up on Child Labor Laws

On The Job / Bureau of Labor and Industries: Follow rules when looking to hire minor - The Register-Guard, Eugene, Oregon, USA

Hiring teenagers has it's own set of rules. Oregon's The Register Guard gives detailed information regarding its state's regulations. Although it's specific to one state, it's a good example of the rules that are out there.

Here's a glimpse...

Remember there are some restrictions relating to the hours and the type of work they may perform. When school is not in session (which we define as from June 1 to Labor Day), 14- and 15-year-olds may work only a maximum of eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.

In addition, they may work only between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. And if you decide to continue their employment into the school year, they may work only three hours per day on school days and a maximum of 18 hours per week. In addition, minors ages 14 and 15 may not work past 7 p.m. during the school year.

The requirements are less restrictive for 16- and 17 year-olds. A 16- or 17-year-old may work at any time with no daily maximum number of hour restrictions, as long as he or she does not exceed 44 hours per week.

For more information on your own state's laws visit the U.S. Department of Labor.