Texas has updated its mandatory child labor poster to align more closely with federal law, including prohibited hazardous occupations for employees under the age of 18. The poster can be downloaded from the TWC's website at no cost.

All Texas employers must display the new poster regarding child labor laws, effective immediately.

As summer approaches and companies prepare to hire seasonal teenage employees, it is important to know the proper labor laws mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regarding young workers. Below is a summary of federal laws. In any instance where federal and state laws differ, the law which benefits the employee the most shall rule.

 Under Age 13:

• Can only babysit, deliver newspapers, or work as actors
• May work various jobs, excluding baking, manufacturing, and other hazardous positions
• Can only work from 7 am to 7 pm (extended to 9 pm June 1 to Labor Day).

 Ages 14-15:

• May only work 18 hours in a school week (3 hours/day max), up to 40 hours on a non-school week (8 hours/day max).
• May perform work of an intellectual or artistically creative nature, such as computer programming, tutoring, singing, and drawing.
• May not perform door-to-door or street sales. Legitimate, volunteer fund-raising activities by charitable organizations are not included in this restriction.

 Ages 16-17:

• May work in any job not declared hazardous.
• May work unlimited hours.

 Ages 18 & over:

• No restriction

For more information, visit the Department of Labor's Resource on Youth Labor.