Child Labor Laws In California

California Child Labor Laws

California has some of the most stringent child labor laws in the country. These laws are designed to protect children from being exploited and ensure they have adequate time for their education and rest. The following outlines California’s child labor laws, which have been updated as recently as 2019:

In California, employers are not allowed to employ anyone under the age of 16 unless certain conditions are met. Minors aged 14-15 years old may work only 3 hours a day and 18 hours per week during school weeks, with no more than 8 hours on any day; 8 hours a day, 40 hours per week during non-school weeks. Additionally, minors aged 16-17 years old can only be employed for 4 hours on school days or 8 hours on non-school days, with no more than 48 hours per week maximum.

Child Labor Laws in California For Minors Under 14​

Child labor laws in California protect minors under the age of 14 from working under dangerous or exploitative conditions. It is crucial for parents, guardians, and employers to be aware of how these laws affect those who are of a young age. The following points provide an overview of the regulations for child labor in California:

  • Minors under 14 years old must obtain a work permit from their local school district before they can begin employment.
  • Minors between the ages of 14 and 17 may work as long as they have documentation demonstrating that they completed an approved educational program.
  • There are restrictions on when minors may begin working and how many hours they can work each day.
  • Minors cannot be employed in hazardous occupations or perform any job that could put their safety at risk.

Child Labor Laws in California For Minors 14 and 15 Years Old

Child labor laws in California for minors 14 and 15 years old are designed to ensure a safe working environment as well as protect the rights of young workers. Knowing the regulations set forth by both federal and state law, employers can create an employment opportunity for minors that is both legal and beneficial. As a parent of a minor aged between 14 and 15, it is important to know the child labor laws in California that are applicable to your child regarding working. These laws exist to ensure the safety and welfare of minors who work in the state.

California has specific laws in place that regulate the employment of children aged 14 and 15 years old. These include:

  • Minors aged 14 and 15 years old are permitted to work in California with certain restrictions.
  • They are not allowed to work during school hours and can only work a maximum of three hours on school days.
  • On non-school days, minors aged 14 and 15 years old can work a maximum of eight hours per day, but no more than 18 hours per week.
  • They can work between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the school year and between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. during the summer.
  • Minors aged 14 and 15 years old are not permitted to work in hazardous occupations or perform tasks such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
  • They must have a work permit, which is issued by their school before they can begin working.
  • The work permit is required to be kept on file at the minor’s place of employment.
  • Employers are required to provide a safe and healthy work environment for minors aged 14 and 15 years old.
  • Parents or guardians must also provide written consent for their child to work.

Child Labor Laws in California For Minors 16 and 17 Years Old

Child labor laws in California are strict when it comes to minors under the age of 18. The state regulates the number of hours teens 16 and 17 years old can work, what jobs they can do, and the amount of wages they must receive. Understanding the regulations set forth by the State of California is important for both parents and employers alike.

In California, 16- and 17-year-olds may not work more than 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week. They are also prohibited from working more than 6 consecutive days without having at least 24 hours off per week. Minors may not work between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., with certain exceptions such as working in an office or performing entertainment activities like theater productions or professional sports teams with parental permission on school nights until 11 p.m.

  • Minors aged 16 and 17 years old are allowed to work in California with fewer restrictions than younger minors.
  • They can work up to eight hours per day and up to 48 hours per week.
  • They can work between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. on school nights and between the hours of 5 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. on non-school nights.
  • Minors aged 16 and 17 years old are allowed to work in most occupations, but are not permitted to work in hazardous occupations or operate heavy machinery.
  • They are not required to have a work permit, but employers must keep a record of their age on file.
  • Employers are required to provide a safe and healthy work environment for minors aged 16 and 17 years old.
  • Parents or guardians must provide written consent for their child to work.
  • Minors aged 16 and 17 years old must attend school and maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to work.

California’s child labor laws are in place to protect young workers from exploitation and ensure they have safe working environments. The regulations in California go far beyond federal law, providing more rights and protection to minors employed within the state.

Minors aged 16 and 17 may work without a work permit with some restrictions. Minors aged 14 or 15 must obtain a work permit issued by the school district or county superintendent of schools before beginning any job. These permits can only be obtained if the minor has parental permission, is enrolled in school full-time, and will not interfere with their studies.

Overall, California’s child labor laws provide additional protections for minors who are employed within the state.