No. Child labor under 14 is prohibited in New York under the state’s labor laws, which align with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) standards. Exceptions exist only for limited agricultural or entertainment work with strict parental and Department of Labor approvals.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in New York
- Minimum Age Requirement: New York Labor Law § 132 prohibits employment of minors under 14, except in agriculture or as performers with a special permit from the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL).
- Permitted Exceptions: Minors under 14 may work in theatrical, film, or modeling roles with a NYSDOL-issued Child Performer Permit, subject to daily and weekly hour limits.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: NYSDOL’s 2025 rulemaking tightens oversight of entertainment permits, requiring employers to submit work schedules 48 hours in advance and mandating on-set tutoring for minors under 16.
Violations trigger penalties under NY Labor Law § 218, including fines up to $1,000 per offense and potential criminal charges for repeat violations. Employers must verify age documentation via NYSDOL’s Work Permit System before hiring any minor.