What does the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establish regarding child labor?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes restrictions on the employment of minors with the aim of promoting their health and education. This legislation recognizes that young individuals are still in critical stages of development, both physically and academically, and thus sets forth guidelines that limit the number of hours they can work and the types of jobs they can perform.

The FLSA specifically outlines different rules for various age groups of minors. For instance, children under the age of 14 are generally prohibited from working in most non-agricultural jobs, while those aged 14 to 15 can work, but only during certain hours and in non-hazardous occupations. The law's intention is to protect young workers from exploitation and to ensure that employment does not interfere with their educational opportunities.

By imposing these restrictions, the FLSA helps to foster a safe working environment for minors, ensuring they have the chance to pursue their education while being shielded from potential hazards associated with inappropriate work conditions.