About YouthRules!

YouthRules! is an initiative to promote positive and safe work experiences for teens by distributing information about young workers to youth, parents, employers and educators. Components of the initiative include a website, printed materials, outreach events, training seminars and partnering activities.

Every year, millions of teens work in part-time or summer jobs. Early work experiences can be rewarding for young workers – providing great opportunities for teens to learn important work skills. Federal and State rules regarding young workers strike a balance between ensuring sufficient time for educational opportunities and allowing appropriate work experiences.

YouthRules! is an initiative to increase public awareness of Federal and State rules concerning young workers. Through the YouthRules! initiative, the U.S. Department of Labor and its partners seek to promote positive and safe work experiences that help prepare young workers in the 21st Century workforce.

The YouthRules! web page is a gateway providing quick access to information about Federal and State labor laws that apply to young workers. The web page includes information designed to educate teens on what the rules are, as well as provide information for parents, educators, and employers.

Also as part of the YouthRules! initiative, the U.S. Department of Labor and its partners develop and distribute informational materials, develop curricula for educators, provide training on the Federal and State rules governing young workers, increase awareness through public service announcements, and develop other tools designed to increase compliance with Federal and State laws.

YouthRules! – an innovative approach to bring teens, parents, educators, employers, government, unions and advocacy groups together to ensure young workers have safe and rewarding work experiences.

About the Wage and Hour Division

An agency of the DOL, the Wage and Hour Division enforces many laws that will affect your employment experience. In addition to the sections that apply to young workers, we enforce the minimum wage, overtime, and recordkeeping requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

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Partnerships & Collaborations

Our YouthRules! partners play a vital role in increasing public awareness about the Federal and State laws dealing with young workers. These partners include businesses, advocacy groups, all levels of government, unions, and other organizations who help promote positive and safe work experiences for you.

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WHD Office Locator

There are over 200 Wage and Hour Offices located throughout the United States, Guam and Puerto Rico. WHD services are also available to individuals working in the Virgin Islands and American Samoa. Contact your local WHD office or our toll-free help line at 1-866-487-9243. Whether you contact us by phone, internet, written correspondence or in person, all services are free.

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