Summer jobs for children: Georgia Legal age and rules

This file photo shows a “now setting” sign in front of a McDonald's. Knowing what to know about Georgia's regulations that enable teenagers to work.

Joe Raedle

TNS

Is your child looking for a summer job? You may think that you have to be at least one teenager, but Georgia has exceptions for children of all ages.

The rules about how old you have to be to work should protect young people and at the same time allow them to gain some work experience.

If you think about bringing your children to work, you should know the following about age restrictions.

Rules for working children according to age

On the basis of guidelines of the Georgia Ministry of Labor, children under the age of 12 cannot be employed in general. There are some very limited exceptions such as providing newspapers or working in the entertainment industry, but older children can work more freely.

For children under the age of 16

Section 39-2-2 from Georgia Code Code determines these guidelines:

• Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to “work” in any mill, factory, laundry, manufacturing company or workshop.

• You must not be used in any profession that is dangerous for your physical person or morality.

• You cannot work between the hours from 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

• Not more than 4 hours in a day on which the school is in the meeting

Age 12 and 13 years old

Children between the ages of 12 and 13 can only be employed if their parents receive an employment certificate that shows their age and they are physically suitable.

The certificate can be issued by the following persons:

• When he is inscribed at a public school, the headmaster or an employee authorized by the superintendent

• If the main administrative officer or an authorized employee in a private school

• When home, parents, parents or legal guardians carry out the home study program.

The certificate must be accompanied by the child's birth certificate and an explanation of the potential employer who describes the type of employment.

Age 14 and 15 years old

Young workers of this age can work outside of school, but the Georgia Ministry of Labor has some close restrictions.

This age group can work:

• 3 hours a day on a school day

• 8 hours a day in one day without school

• 18 hours a week during the school year

• 40 hours a week if the school is not in the meeting

This age group cannot work:

• Before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. (except in summer, if you can work until 9:00 p.m.)

• During normal school hours unless they have completed or excused by the school

Age 16 and 17 years

There are no state or federal hours restrictions for this age group, but they still cannot work in dangerous jobs or certain dangerous industries. These workers do not need a work permit in Georgia either.

If you have an ambitious potential worker, you are lucky in Georgia. Children of all ages have the ability to work under certain conditions. Let these children apply for the desired jobs.

My first job was a “Kids Coach” in the Discovery Zone, a game that was developed for younger children. What was your first job? Send me an email to srose@tger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.