Speak Up! - View Question #185

« LawForKids.org home page | « Go back to speak up question #185

Question: What are the laws concerning jobs for 13-year olds?

Answer: The Fair Labor Standards Act states that the minimum age for employment is 14 years old. A 14-year old that is a full-time student would be allowed to work in a retail establishment as long as the employer has obtained certifications from the Department of Labor. A business could be fined $10,000 for hiring someone under the age of 14. The age requirements for agricultural employment are slightly different.


Comments
1446 thru 1450 of 2113 comments
On 01/11/04
Shanika from Othe said:
I think 13 year olds should be able to work because we deserve to have our own money and we shouldn't always have to ask our parents for money, and plus my mom doesn't even work because she has arthritis in her hand and it's not easy for her to find a job that doesn't involve a lot of hand work. I at least want to help my mom pay bills and buy groceries. How hard could a job be? I'm sure it's not that hard. Atleast give us a chance! If we are mature 12 and 13 year olds we deserve a job!
On 01/10/04
Eric from CO said:
12 and 13 yaer old kids should be able to do the same. This state is about freedom but only 14 and up have even more freedom to get a job. What are we suposed to do a without money. We all hate being denied money!
On 01/10/04
Breanna from CA said:
I do believe in having a law that does not allow certain aged people to have a job, however, I do NOT believe that age should be 14. I am 12 years old, and I am more mature than a LOT of 14 year olds out there. I would like to be able to buy stuff for myself that costs more than the $5 a week that I get from my parents. I greatly appreciate getting an allowance, but I think that if we are willing to work for our money, we should be able to. And I am supposed to earn my money through car washes and babysitting???
On 01/10/04
Joey from IN said:
I don't think that people under 14 should have jobs. I think 14 may be a little too young even. It would ruin someone's childhood to have a job so early. It would be too early for the responsibility and commitment needed for a job. And associates and customers wouldn't respect such a young employee. It's absurd. No matter how mature you think you are, it doesn't matter. You're still a kid.
On 01/10/04
Laura from Othe said:
I totally aggree with Cecily from NC. I come from Australia and am trying to find work. If 13 year old's want to work part time... they can! I believe that after you legally become a teenager(13) you should have the right to earn money and make a living. Getting a job at our age would stimulate us for the future and learn how to save money for later.
1446 thru 1450 of 2113 comments



Read more about the law and
Related Stories
Related Laws
    • No laws found!
« LawForKids.org home page | « Go back to speak up question #185