No, child labor under 14 is illegal in Illinois under the Illinois Child Labor Law (ICLL) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Minors under 14 may only perform limited work in non-hazardous, parental-owned businesses or as performers in artistic or athletic activities with strict permits. Violations trigger penalties from the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) and federal enforcement.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Illinois
- Parental Exemption: Minors under 14 may work in non-hazardous, family-owned enterprises, provided the work is outside school hours and does not exceed 3 hours on school days or 8 hours on non-school days. The IDOL requires written parental consent and school verification.
- Entertainment Industry Permits: The Illinois Department of Labor issues special permits for minors under 14 in film, theater, or sports, mandating strict hour limits (e.g., 8 hours/day during school weeks) and mandatory tutoring for extended productions. Permits are valid for 2026 compliance cycles.
- Prohibited Occupations: The ICLL bans minors under 14 from hazardous jobs (e.g., manufacturing, mining, or operating power-driven machinery). The IDOL’s 2025-2026 enforcement priorities include audits of agricultural and gig-economy sectors for violations.