Career Tips

Child Labor Law

The Child Labor Act prohibits the employment of minors in certain occupations and in working conditions that may be hazardous. In addition, it contains the following restrictions.

MINORS 14 AND 15 YEARS OF AGE MAY NOT BE EMPLOYED:

During school hours;
Between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., if the next day is a school day;
Between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.;
Note: The U.S. Department of Labor does not allow a minor to work past 7:00 p.m. from Labor Day to June 1.
More than 3 hours a day on school days;
More than 18 hours a week during a school week;
More than 8 hours a day on non-school days; or
More than 40 hours a week during non-school weeks.

MINORS 16 AND 17 YEARS OF AGE MAY NOT BE EMPLOYED:

During those hours when the minor is required to attend classes;
Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday evenings preceding a school day, except with parental or guardian consent. Then the minor may work until midnight no more than three nights Sunday through Thursday. Forms shall remain valid until the end of the school year in which it is submitted or until termination of employment, whichever shall occur first. Consent forms are available from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Division of Labor Standards by calling 615-741-2858.

BREAK OR MEAL PERIOD:

A minor must have a thirty (30) minute unpaid break or meal period if scheduled to work six (6) hours consecutively. Such breaks shall not be scheduled during or before the first hour of scheduled work activity.

The Division of Labor Standards may be reached by calling 615-741-2858.