No, child labor under 14 is illegal in Delaware under the Delaware Child Labor Law (19 Del. C. § 701 et seq.), which aligns with federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) standards. Exceptions exist only for agricultural work or parental employment with strict hour limits, but non-agricultural employment is prohibited. Delaware’s Division of Industrial Affairs enforces these rules, with 2026 audits targeting compliance in hospitality and retail sectors.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Delaware
- Employment Prohibition: Minors under 14 cannot work in non-agricultural jobs, per 19 Del. C. § 704(a). Exceptions include babysitting, newspaper delivery, or work for parents in non-hazardous roles.
- Agricultural Work Limits: Children under 14 may work on farms outside school hours, but only with parental consent and restricted to 3 hours on school days (18 hours/week max).
- Permit Requirements: Employers must obtain a work permit from the Delaware Department of Education for minors aged 14–17, verifying age and restricting hazardous occupations.
Delaware’s Division of Industrial Affairs conducts unannounced inspections, particularly in high-risk industries like food service. Violations trigger fines up to $1,000 per minor, with repeat offenses escalating to criminal charges under 19 Del. C. § 710. Employers must retain work permits for two years post-employment.