I-Essay

YOUTH LABOR REGULATIONS CREATED AND EDITED BY ERIKA L. LITSON In 2011, in the United States, only 25% of minors, ages 9-18, had summer jobs; a record low. “Your first job brings you more than just a steady paycheck – the experience teaches young people life and work skills that serve them long after the job is done. ” said Colleen Curtison the official White House Blog. However, to get that first job experience, rules must first be understood. Kids may be hesitant to get a job because they aren’t aware of the regulations for youth labor. Understanding the regulations, types of jobs, and pay wages, may open up a world of opportunity for any young adult.

Knowing the federal and state hourly regulations for teen employment would be the preliminary step towards developing a teen’s personal experiences. A few restrictions pertaining to child employment include working only 40 hours per week, and 8 hours per day, limited to 9:30 pm to 5:00 am, unless babysitting, or the worker is over the age of 16. If students are working prior to, during, or after school, working more than six hours is prohibited. In addition, working during school hours requires a school release permit and must have a teacher sponsor who monitors documented work hours. This option is very popular with some students to gain unconventional high school course credit. Determining an appropriate age for a minor to get a job is up to parents and/or guardians. Kids younger than 9 years of age can’t get a job in Colorado. While after the age of 9, jobs may include anything that does not involve power-driven equipment and is non-hazardous, like caddying, shoe-shining, lawn work, dog walking, and delivery of newspapers and door to door advertisements. Beginning at age 12, a plethora of opportunities begin to unfold, with babysitting being a popular option, and building up to landscaping, little league sports referees, retail, fast food, and movie theaters. Finding the right job should begin with focusing on the teen’s interests. Although work out in the sun makes you feel better, doing farm work can be not only dangerous to you but it may be illegal. NCFH, The National Center for Farm work Health Department quotes, “Each year, an estimated 300,000 to 800,000 children toil under the hot sun while working on farms across the United States.Though their labor contributes to the U.S. agriculture industry and undoubtedly helps put food on the tables of many Americans, child agriculture laborers do not benefit from their time spent in the fields. Instead, these children are at risk of losing their childhood, their health and their education.” These workers only get paid over $4 an hour. Less than the US minimum wage. Adding to a teen’s life experience also takes gaining money, the US minimum wage is $7. 68, therefore an average wage for teens that work 365 days, two hours a day, is $5606.40. However, if minors are babysitting, generally charges are more than $7.68 an hour, what the customers pay depends on where the company is, like in Littleton a teen average wage for a year is more than Fort Collins. Getting a job is complicated. Starting a business is a whole other experience; however in end an understanding of federal and state regulations, types of jobs, and pay wages can extend one’s chances of labor success. Most teens want that first paycheck, and that first job experience. Helping them start their job is a huge way to start raising that 25% of teens to undeliverable heights.