Child Labor Laws + Data Privacy Regulations + Speak Out Act + Legally Speaking + Human Trafficking

For many teenagers, a job flipping burgers is their first introduction into the workforce. Unfortunately, in 2022 it was also many minors’ first experience being overworked and exploited by a company.

From working late hours to operating dangerous machinery, fast food chains had trouble adhering to child labor laws throughout 2022. Considering the long-standing labor shortage that has plagued the restaurant industry since 2021, it’s not surprising that many chains would turn to teenagers as a way to deal. Plainly put, teenagers are more willing to work for cheap and are less familiar with what an employer should and should not ask of them.

Common child labor law violations at restaurants

Child labor laws vary by state, but generally the idea is that children under the age of 14 cannot be hired and teenagers that are hired can only work certain hours. For example, most child labor laws do not allow those under 18 to work more than 40 hours per week or past a certain time of night like 7 p.m. or 9 p.m. in the summer time.