Does your 12 year old want a job? They can work, according to Georgia law
Is your kiddo looking for a summer job? You may think they have to be at least a teenager, but Georgia has exceptions for children of all ages.
The rules about how old you have to be to work are meant to protect young people while also allowing them to get some work experience.
If you’re thinking about putting your children to work, here’s what you should know about age restrictions.
Rules for working children, by age
Based on guidelines from the Georgia Department of Labor, children under 12 generally can’t be employed. There are some very limited exceptions such as delivering newspapers or working in the entertainment industry, but older children can work more freely.
For children under 16
Georgia code Code Section 39-2-2 dictates these guidelines:
Children under 16 are not permitted to work in any “mill, factory, laundry, manufacturing establishment or workshop”
They must not be employed in any occupation deemed hazardous to their physical person or their morals.
They can’t work between the hours of 9 P.M. and 6 A.M. or during the hours when school is in session
Not allowed to work more than 4 hours on a day in which school is in session, more than 8 hours on non-school days or more than 40 hours in a week
Ages 12 and 13
Children between 12 and 13 cannot be employed unless their parents obtain an employment certificate that shows their age and they are physically fit to work.
The certificate can be issued by the following people:
If enrolled in a public school, the school superintendent or some member of the staff authorized by superintendent
If in a private school, the principal administrative officer or an authorized staff member
If home schooled, the person, parent or guardian conducting the home study program.
The certificate must be accompanied by the child’s birth certificate and a statement from the prospective employer describing the type of employment.
Ages 14 and 15
Young workers this age can work outside school hours, but the Georgia Department of Labor has some tight restrictions.
This age group can work:
3 hours per day on a school day
8 hours per day on a non-school day
18 hours per week during the school year
40 hours per week when school is not in session
This age group can’t work:
Before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. (except during summer, when they can work until 9:00 p.m.)
During normal school hours unless they’ve graduated or been excused from school
Ages 16 and 17
There are no state or federal restrictions on hours for this age group, but they still can’t work in hazardous jobs or certain dangerous industries. These workers don’t need a work permit in Georgia, either.
If you have an ambitious potential worker, they’re in luck in Georgia. Kids of all ages have the ability to work, under certain conditions, so get those kiddos applying for the jobs they want.
My first job was a “kids coach” at Discovery Zone, a play placed designed for younger children. What was your first job? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
