What you need to know about child labor laws under Utah and federal law.

Child labor has been a pervasive issue throughout human history. In many societies, children were expected to work from a very young age to support their families. In some cases, children were even forced to work in dangerous conditions, for long hours and little pay. The modern world, however, recognizes the rights of children to receive an education, grow up in a safe environment, and live a fulfilling childhood. This has led to the implementation of child labor laws to protect children from exploitation and abuse.

Child labor laws are a set of regulations that prohibit children under a certain age from working or limit the type of work they can perform. These laws vary from country to country and state to state, but they all share the same goal: to protect children from exploitation and ensure their safety and well-being.

In the United States, the federal government has established minimum standards for child labor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA sets the minimum age for employment at 14 years, with some exceptions. Children aged 14 and 15 may work outside school hours in non-hazardous jobs for up to 3 hours on school days and up to 8 hours on non-school days. Children aged 16 and 17 may work in non-hazardous jobs for unlimited hours.

However, many states have their own child labor laws that provide additional protections for children. Utah, for example, has its own child labor laws that apply to all employers in the state. In Utah, children under the age of 14 may work in certain situations, such as in agricultural jobs, newspaper delivery, and in entertainment or modeling. However, they must have a work permit and the employer must ensure that the work is safe and does not interfere with their education.

For children aged 14 and 15, Utah child labor laws prohibit them from working more than 3 hours on school days and more than 18 hours in a school week. They also cannot work more than 8 hours on non-school days and more than 40 hours in a non-school week. They are also prohibited from working before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. during the school year, or before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. during the summer.

Children aged 16 and 17 are subject to fewer restrictions under Utah child labor laws. They may work for unlimited hours, but they cannot work in hazardous jobs or in certain industries, such as mining or logging.

Employers who violate child labor laws can face serious consequences, including fines and legal action. Parents or guardians can also face penalties if they allow their children to work in violation of the law.

Child labor laws are essential to protecting the rights and well-being of children. While the federal government has established minimum standards, many states have their own child labor laws that provide additional protections. In Utah, children under 14 can work in certain situations, but they must have a work permit and the work must be safe and not interfere with their education. Children aged 14 and 15 have additional restrictions on their working hours, while children aged 16 and 17 are subject to fewer restrictions but still cannot work in hazardous jobs or certain industries. It is important for employers and parents to be aware of these laws to ensure that children are not exploited or put in dangerous situations.

Reach out to our experienced Utah employment attorney for any additional questions you may have specific to your legal question.