University of Delaware
Office of Public Relations
UpDate - Vol. 16, No. 34, June 12
                                   
               Follow these rules when employing minors
     
     Individuals in units that are considering hiring 14,
15, 16 and 17 year olds must be familiar with child labor
laws set by the Delaware Department of Labor.
     The following restrictions must be observed:
    * Children under 14 years of age cannot work.
    * Children 14 and 15 years of age must obtain an
      employment certificate signed by their school
      principal and their parent or legal guardian. The
      child must obtain an application form from the
      Department of Labor or school district office and
      have the prospective employer complete the top and
      bottom sections. The child then must return the
      application to the high school in order to obtain a
      signed certificate that the employer must then keep
      on file. Students this age cannot work during school
      hours and before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. (9 p.m. from
      June 1 through Labor Day). They may not work more
      than 3 hours per day and no more than 18 hours per
      week (8 hours per day on non-school days and 40 hours
      per week in non-school weeks). There are additional
      restrictions on the kinds of dangerous work they may
      perform.
    * Children 16 and 17 years of age also must have an
      employment certificate. The employer completes only
      the top half of the application. Neither the
      principal nor parents need sign. However, an
      authorized representative of the Department of Labor
      must verify the child's age and sign the certificate.
      Several school officials in each district have been
      designated as official representatives. The employer
      must keep this certificate on file.
    * No exceptions are ever granted to these provisions.
      Whether resident or nonresident, in school or
      graduated, a person under 18 years of age needs "work
      papers." Fines for violation of these laws can be up
      to $10,000.
     For additional information, call the Employee Services
at 831-2171.