Teen Jobs

     This summer, several of our teens will begin part time or full time jobs.  For those who haven't taken this step yet, there are state regulations regarding the hours your child may work and which kinds of employment they may have at different ages, that you should be aware of.  

*    Youth, 12 and 13 years of age may work as a newspaper carrier, but not before 4:00 a.m., after 7:00 p.m., or during school hours (Labor Day - Memorial Day).

 *   They may also work on farms gardens, and in orchards outside of "school hours" with parental consent.  

     Teenagers 14 and 15 years old must obtain a work permit (unless they are working for their parents).  These may be obtained at the guidance office of most high schools and many private schools.

Limits on Hours of Work:

3 hours on a "school day".

18 hours on any "school week".

40 hours on any non-school week.

14-15 year old's may not work before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. except between June 1st and Labor day when they may work as late as 9:00 p.m.  They must receive 1/2 hour meal break or rest after 5 hours of continuous work.

     These do not apply to farm, garden or orchard jobs, except that they cannot work during school hours (unless they are in a "School-work" training program.

There are no restrictions of hours of work for:

Working for your parents, being a Page or Clerk for the House of Delegates or the Senate of Virginia, working in theater as an actor or actress (with a theatrical permit from the Department of Labor and Industry), work performed for state or local government, or activities performed for a volunteer rescue squad.

   Yard work or house work around someone else's home may only be done during non-school hours.

THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ON HOURS OF WORK FOR 16 YEAR OLD'S and older.  No work permit is required, however, a copy of the teenager's birth certificate or an Age Certificate (obtained from schools) is needed by the employer to prove he is in compliance with Virginia Law.

PROHIBITED EMPLOYMENT:

Teenagers under 18 are prohibited from the following-

1.  Any occupation that exposes them to a recognized hazard capable of causing injury or death.

2.  Grinding, abrasive, polishing, or buffing machines

3.  Preparation of compositions using poisonous or dangerous chemicals.

4.  Manufacture of paints, colors, or white lead.

5.  Manufacture or delivery of alcoholic beverages.

6.  Places that serve alcohol as their main business.

7.  Driver or helper on a truck with more than 2 axles.

8.  Working with explosives, motor vehicle occupations, logging and sawmills, power driven woodworking machines, radioactive substances and ionizing radiation, power-driven hoisting apparatus, metal forming, punching, and shearing, mining, meat packing, slaughtering, processing or rendering of meat, power-driven bakery machines, power-driven paper product machines, manufacture of brick or tile, circular saws, band saws, and guillotine shears, wrecking, demolition, and ship breaking operations, roofing, excavating, and fire-fighting.

There are some additional restrictions which may apply to your teenager's situation.  Employers should already be aware of these laws and only hire teens for jobs that comply with the restrictions.  If you would like a copy of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's "Guide for the Employment of Teenagers, you may request a free copy by calling their central office.  (804) 786-2386.