Can 12-year-olds work in MS? Here’s what law says about child labor
Is your kiddo looking for a summer job? You may think they have to be at least a teenager, but Mississippi 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 Mississippi Department of Employment Security, children under 14 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
Mississippi law 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 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. or during the hours when school is in session.
Minors are not allowed to work more than three hours on a day in which school is in session, more than eight hours on non-school days, or more than 18 hours in a week during school weeks, and not more than 40 hours in a week when school is not in session.
Ages 12 and 13
Children between 12 and 13 cannot be employed in most jobs, but there are exceptions for newspaper delivery, entertainment or working for a parent’s business (with some restrictions). If employment is allowed, parents may need to obtain an employment certificate showing the child’s age and physical fitness 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 Mississippi Department of Employment Security has some tight restrictions.
This age group can work:
three hours per day on a school day
eight 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 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (except during summer, when they can work until 9 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 in Mississippi, but they still can’t work in hazardous jobs or certain dangerous industries. These workers don’t need a work permit in Mississippi, either.
If you have an ambitious potential worker, they’re in luck in Mississippi. Children 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 place designed for younger children. What was your first job? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
