Teen Rights at Work:
Legal & Safety Information for Parents and Guardians
Teens are more likely than adults to get injured at work.
Each year 160,000 teens under 18 are hurt at work. Teens are more vulnerable because they are new to work, may not get proper safety training, and are less likely to speak up or ask questions about working conditions.
Youth have the power to raise awareness and push for change.
Ishaan Kang, High School Student,
2025 YWLA Participant
Tips for Parents & Guardians of Working Teens
Know the Law.
California labor law says teens cannot work too late or too long or do dangerous work.
Cal/OSHA’s workplace safety and health laws require that the workplace be safe and that workers receive health and safety training.
Ensure your teen has a work permit.
In California, working minors must have work permits.. They must have a separate work permit for each physical location where they work. Minors who pass a proficiency exam still need a certificate of age to work. Workers under 18 must have a permit to work for each new job (unless they have already graduated). Students apply for work permits at their high school or school district office.
Watch for warning signs.
Does your teen seem unhappy with work? Teens can find it hard to talk about issues like sexual harassment or workplace stress. Is your teen always tired? Do they complain about not getting enough rest?Has your teen or any of their coworkers been injured on the job?
Limit work hours.
If your teen is tired or is having trouble keeping up with school-work, they may be working too many hours. Help your teen reduce their work hours.
Talk to your teen about work.
What are their employment tasks? For example, are they asked to do heavy lifting? Do they work alone for long periods?Has your teen trained? If your teen is asked to perform a new task, they should receive prior training. Ask about working conditions: Are there workplace hazards? Are there slippery floors, locked or blocked exit doors, crowded work spaces, or machines without safety guards?
Is the supervisor present? Is your teen getting paid properly for their breaks?
Problem solve.
If your teen has concerns about hours or safety at work, help them think about what change is needed and how to approach their supervisor.
Legal Work Hours for Teens in California
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Ages 14-15 |
Ages 16-17 |
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When school is in session: |
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When school is not in session (June 1 to Labor Day): |
Allowed to work between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Allowed to work up to 40 hours per week and up to eight hours per day. |
Allowed to work up to 40 hours per week and up to eight hours per day. |
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The most hours you can work when school is not in session |
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48 hours a week
(There are exceptions for teens in a work experience program.) |
Where to get health and safety information and advice
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Topic Area |
Contact |
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For general health & safety information and advice: |
UC Berkeley Labor Occupational Health Program |
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To make a health or safety complaint: | |
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To make a complaint about wages or work hours: |
California Labor Commissioner’s Office www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE (415) 703-5300 |
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To make a complaint about sexual harassment or discriminiation: |
California Fair Employment and Housing www.dfeh.ca.gov (800) 884-1684 |
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For information about benefits or injured workers: |
California Workers’ Compensation Information and Assistance Unit www.dir.ca.gov/DWC (800) 736-7401 |
This fact sheet was created with funding from the Teaching Occupational Safety and Health contract, California Department of Education.
