Yes, child labor under 14 is permitted in Sweden under highly restricted conditions.
Sweden’s Arbetsmiljöverket (Work Environment Authority) allows light work for children aged 13–14 under strict parental consent and school approval, with no exceptions for those under 13. The Lag om anställning av unga (Young Workers Act) enforces a 2-hour daily limit during school holidays, prohibiting hazardous tasks. Violations trigger fines up to SEK 100,000, with stricter 2026 amendments targeting digital platform work.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Sweden
- Age Threshold: Children under 13 are barred from employment; 13–14-year-olds may work only with written parental and school consent, excluding school hours.
- Work Conditions: Maximum 2 hours/day during school holidays, no night shifts, and tasks must exclude physical strain, chemicals, or machinery per Arbetsmiljöverkets föreskrifter (AFS 2012:3).
- Oversight & Penalties: Arbetsmiljöverket conducts unannounced inspections; non-compliance risks fines up to SEK 100,000, with 2026 reforms expanding digital gig economy scrutiny.