The Missouri Division of Labor Standards provides Missouri employers, parents, school officials, and youth information and training about workplace safety and health program management, child labor laws, and youth and employer rights and responsibilities. Missouri's Child Labor Law applies to youth under the age of 16. Youth under 14 years of age generally are not permitted to work at any job (other than in entertainment) at any time. Youth who are 14 or 15 generally are permitted to work, but their work (as well as the work of all children in the entertainment industry) is subject to several restrictions.
To ensure the safety and welfare of our working youth, the Division of Labor Standards, Youth Employment Section, aggressively pursues those who attempt to violate the state’s child labor laws. All complaints are investigated and many cases are referred for prosecution. If you believe that a child 14 or 15 years of age is working too many hours or is working a prohibited occupation, please complete the Youth Employment Complaint Form or contact our office to report your concern. Our office does accept anonymous complaints.