Characteristics of teens with and without work permits

Abstract

Factors associated with the issuance of mandated work permits for teens, and their enforcement are currently unknown. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 1945 teens at 16 randomly selected North Carolina high schools. Predictor variables examined included teens' socio-demographic characteristics, employment patterns, and labor law knowledge. One thousand and ninety-four non-working and 844 working teens participated. Seventy-seven percent of working teens worked during the school year and 39% started working younger than 16. The majority (80%) worked in retail and services. Forty-four percent worked without work permits. Factors associated with being less likely to be issued a work permit included white race, employment in a family-owned business, being a laborer, and limited or no knowledge of child labor laws. Adherence to and enforcement of the work permit system is low. Interventions should specifically target teens who work in family owned businesses, in unskilled labor and in hazardous industries.