As the New Year arrives, there are some important updates to the laws in Indiana that you should know about. Starting January 1st, 2025, new rules will affect teenagers who work part-time jobs, as well as employers across the state. While some of these changes may be beneficial, others might raise concerns. Here’s a breakdown of the top updates to Indiana’s child labor laws.
1. New Child Labor Law Changes for Older Teens
One of the most significant changes in 2025 is how Indiana handles the work hours of teenagers, particularly those aged 16 and 17. These older teens will now have the same work hour rights as adults. This means they can work any shift, including early mornings, late nights, or weekends, with or without adult supervision.
This change provides teens and employers with more flexibility, especially in industries like fast food, retail, and hospitality, where scheduling can be tricky. It allows teens to gain more work experience and be available for a wider range of shifts, which can be a big plus for both them and employers looking for extra help.
2. Restrictions Still Apply to Younger Teens
While the changes are great for older teens, there are still rules in place for younger teens, specifically those aged 14 and 15. The goal here is to make sure these teens can still focus on school and get enough rest while earning a little extra money.
Here are the key restrictions for 14 and 15-year-olds:
- On school days, they can only work up to 3 hours.
- On non-school days, they can work up to 8 hours.
- They can work up to 18 hours during a school week.
- During summer breaks, they can work up to 40 hours per week.
- They can’t start work before 7 a.m. and must finish by 7 p.m. during the school year.
- During the summer, they can work later but must finish by 9 p.m.
These rules are designed to ensure younger teens can balance work, school, and rest effectively, which is important for their health and well-being.
3. Why These Changes Matter
These updates to Indiana’s child labor laws could impact many families and businesses. For teens, the new laws mean more opportunities to earn money and gain work experience. It could also be a great way for them to learn valuable skills while still having time for school.
For parents, however, it might require closer attention to their teens’ work schedules, especially if they’re working longer hours. This could mean balancing work and family time differently.
For employers, these changes allow more flexibility in scheduling and hiring younger workers. This is especially important in industries where workers are needed during different times of the day, like retail or food services. The ability to hire older teens for a wider range of shifts will make staffing easier and more efficient.
As 2025 begins, these changes to Indiana’s child labor laws aim to support both the workforce and the education of younger teens. Older teens will benefit from the new flexibility in their work schedules, while younger teens will still have strict rules in place to protect their school and rest time. Whether you’re a parent, teen, or employer, understanding these changes will help you navigate the new year and ensure you’re following the law.
