How to Ensure Your Teen's Job is a Safe Experience

All of the year's sweat, toil, and hard work have finally paid off. School is out for the summer and your responsible teenager
is looking for a summer job. "What a wonderful idea!" Mom and Dad think proudly of their offspring as they aspire to earn their spending money, help save for college, and get their first real taste of what the "real world" has to offer.

Well, before encouraging your teens to explore their independency too soon, Mom and Dad may be surprised to know that their are many dangers involved when it comes to teens in the workplace. You may also be wondering at what age should my teen get their first summer job? We have come a very long way since the industrial revolution and The United States Labor Department has definite laws keeping minors safe from the hazards and exploitation of child labor. So, at what age should your teen be allowed to work? Are there jobs that have been statistically proven to be unsafe for teens? If my teen is employed, what warning signs should I be looking for to know that this is becoming an unhealthy experience? How late should my teen be required to work?

These are very important questions which parents must first answer before making the decision to allow their teens to take that first (or second, or third) summer job.

First, let's understand that there are federal and state labor child laws. The FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) are federal child labor rules which determine and regulate the age a minor may work, questions with pay regarding overtime, and the maintaining of records for employed minors.

There are also state child labor laws, and these do vary from state to state. You should familiarize yourself with your state's specific laws by contacting your state's labor department. If there is ever a discrepancy between a state or federal law, the law that provides the most protection for a minor will override the other.

For example, minimum wage varies by state, but yes, if your teen is employed they legally have to make your state's required minimum wage. Federal law states that children under 14 can not work. Each state varies upon rules regarding to age certification required by employers. Some states require age certification, some do not. Again, contact your state's local labor department and take a look at the laws relating to your state.

Federal law will not allow minors to work at any job which has been declared, "hazardous" by the Secretary of Labor. Still, there are some jobs which have proven dangerous to teens. These include: driving and delivery jobs. Though you must be 16 or 17 years old to obtain a driving job, driving accidents are still a leading cause of danger to teens in the workplace.

Agricultural work has proven to be extremely hazardous to teen's health. There is a parental exemption which allows minors of any age to be employed by their parents in any occupation on a farm owned or operated by his or her parents. Yet, you must still contact your state's labor department because there are state statutes that impose regulations and strict restrictions when minors work in agriculture.
Injuries and burns are frequent among teens working in the "fast food" and restaurant environment. Construction is another area which has seen great harm come to teens. Injuries are high in the field of construction and construction related injuries are the third leading cause of death to teens in the work place.

Another hazard to teens are working in stores late at night where money is handled. These stores have a higher tendency to be burglarized and pose a danger to minors.

Traveling from door to door is also dangerous to teens. Jobs such as magazine sales, recruitment to sell candy and other items involve driving accidents which have led serious injuries and even death.
If your teen is employed, here are some warning signs to look for that signal this is becoming an unhealthy situation, your teen is required to work late night hours, your teen tells you of lots of injuries taking place in the work place or they have received an injury, informs you that there is no adult supervision at their job, or if you notice a change in your teens attitude towards their job (reluctant to go, overtired, or appears anxious or under stress).

These are all warning signs that your teen's job is becoming a hazard to their health. As parents, don't neglect to visit your child's workplace, meet their boss or supervisors, contact your state's labor department, and see if their work place has ever been cited for child labor violations. With wisdom and knowledge you can ensure that your teen's work experience will be a healthy and happy one.

Here are the phone numbers to various state's labor departments.

Alabama (334) 242-3460

Alaska (907) 269-4900

Arizona (602) 542-4515

Arkansas (501) 682-4501

California (213) 897-9865

Colorado (303) 318-8448

Connecticut (860) 263-6791

Delaware (302) 761-8200

District of Columbia (202) 693-0200

Florida (800) 226-2536

Georgia (404) 232-3260

Hawaii (808) 586-8777

Idaho (321) 321-2987

Illinois (800) 645-5784

Indiana (888) 833-6967

Iowa (800) 562-4692

Kansas (785) 296-4062

Kentucky (502) 564-3070

Louisiana (504) 589-6171

Maine (207) 624-6400

Maryland (410) 767-2357

Massachusetts (617) 727-3465

Michigan (517) 322-1825

Minnesota (651) 284-5005

Mississippi (601) 965-4347

Missouri (800 475-2130, ext. 0

Montana (406) 444-5600

Nebraska (402) 595-3095

Nevada (702) 486-2650

New Hampshire (603) 271-6294

New Jersey (609) 292-8228

New Mexico (505) 827-6830

New York (518) 457-1380

North Carolina (800) 625-2267

North Dakota (701) 328-2660

Ohio (614) 644-2239

Oklahoma (888) 269-5353

Oregon (503) 731-4689

Pennsylvania (800) 932-0665

Rhode Island (401) 462-8550

South Carolina (803) 734-4295

South Dakota (605) 773-3682

Tennessee (615) 741-2858

Texas (800) 832-9243

Utah (801) 530-6802

Vermont (802) 828-2157

Virginia (804) 786-2386

Washington (360) 902-5316

West Virginia (304) 558-7890

Wisconsin (608) 266-6860

Wyoming (307) 777-7261