History

• Children have traditional been part of the working world, usually around the home but often in private business. The Industrial Revolution changed the dynamics of child labor. Business owners used child labor for more dangerous jobs in factories and mines. Child labor was not only cheaper, children did not form unions. The labor movement of the early 20th century gradually phased out child labor in the workforce.
  
  

Governance

• The Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) sets the United States' general policy on most major labor issues. The child labor provision of the FSLA protects the education and health of the nation's youth by restricting the hours and type of jobs minors may work. The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division of the Employment Standards Administration enforces the laws of the FSLA.
  
  

Age Restrictions

• The FSLA does not allow businesses to employ anyone under the age of 14, except for certain allowances. States may raise the minimum age to enter the workforce above the federal age limit, but not below it. Although most states issue work permits to minors, federal law does not demand this. Federal law removes all restrictions on non-hazardous employment once a person reaches the age of 16.
  
  

Industrial and Agricultural

• No one under the age of 16 may occupy any mining or manufacturing position, no exceptions. Those under 16 may not work in processing positions in the fishing, poultry, laundry and mass-mailing industries. They also may not operate heavy machinery such as tractors and lawnmowers. The law generally does not restrict the types of work a child may perform in the retail and food-service industries.
  
  

"Newspaper Routes"

• The FSLA does have provision to allow child labor in certain professions where child labor is sometimes considered a necessity. Newspaper routes, or the selling of newspapers do not have any age restrictions. The law also allows children under 14 to be paid for positions in theatrical arts, movies and televisions and music industries. Children may also work in their parents business in non-hazardous positions.