No. Child labor under 14 is prohibited in Finland under the Employment Contracts Act and Basic Education Act, with exceptions for light work in family enterprises or cultural/artistic activities under strict permits from the Finnish Labour Administration.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Finland
- Permit Requirement: Work requires prior approval from the Finnish Labour Administration (Työ- ja elinkeinoministeriö), which assesses risks to health, schooling, and development.
- Light Work Exemption: Minimal tasks (e.g., delivering newspapers, babysitting) may be permitted if non-hazardous, limited to 2 hours/day, and outside school hours.
- Cultural/Artistic Work: Permits for performances or modeling mandate parental consent, time limits, and mandatory breaks, aligning with the Act on the Protection of Minors in Performing Arts.
Recent 2026 amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Act tighten oversight, requiring employers to submit detailed risk assessments for any permitted work. The Finnish National Agency for Education (Opetushallitus) monitors compliance with educational obligations, ensuring child labor does not interfere with compulsory schooling. Violations may result in fines up to €10,000 or criminal liability under the Child Welfare Act.