Many high school students work part time jobs before or after school. Something they might not know is that there are state and federal child labor laws put in place to protect them against any misdoings in the workplace. 

Child labor laws only protect individuals up until they reach 18 years of age. After that they are considered adults and follow the laws put in place meant for adults. 

Texas state law prohibits 14 and 15 year olds from 

1. 1. Working more than 8 hours a day
   2. Working more than 48 hours a week
   3. Working before 5 a.m.
   4. Working after 10 p.m. on a day followed by a school day including summer school
   5. Working past midnight on a day that is not followed by a school day 

Federal law prohibits 14 and 15 year olds from

1. 1. Working during school hours
   2. Working more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week when school is not in session 
   3. Working more than 3 hours a day or 18 hours a week when school is in session

Occupations that are prohibited for 14-17 year old students

1. 1. In or about plants or establishments other than retail establishments which manufacture or store explosives or articles containing explosive components 
   2. Involving the driving of motor vehicles
   3. In operating power driven machinery 
   4. Wrecking, demolition, and ship-breaking operations,

Additional occupations that are prohibited for 14-15 year old students

1. 1. Youth peddling, sign waving, or door-to-door sales
   2. Lifeguarding at a natural environment such as a lake, river or ocean
   3. Public messenger jobs
   4. Baking and all activities involved in baking
   5. Freezers or meat coolers work, except minors may occasionally enter a freezer for a short period of time to retrieve items
   6. All occupations in warehouses and storage except office and clerical work

If an employer violates child labor law, in addition to criminal penalties TWC may assess an administrative penalty against the employer up to $10,000 per violation.