General Education Development (GED) Practice Exam

Which of the following would violate federal child labor regulations?

1. Hiring your own child to work in your small business if the child is under 14

2. Employing someone under 14 as a newspaper carrier

3. Employing someone under 18 in a job deemed hazardous

4. Employing anyone under 18 as a babysitter

The correct answer is: Employing someone under 18 in a job deemed hazardous

Employing someone under 18 in a job deemed hazardous is a violation of federal child labor regulations. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) specifically prohibits minors from being employed in occupations that are considered hazardous. These regulations are designed to protect young workers from unsafe working conditions that could jeopardize their health or safety. Jobs classified as hazardous include those that involve the use of certain machinery, exposure to toxic substances, or work in extreme conditions. The regulations are particularly careful with minors under 18, as they may lack the experience or maturity to handle potentially dangerous situations appropriately. This approach is rooted in the understanding that working in hazardous conditions can have significant long-term consequences for young individuals. In contrast, the other scenarios presented, such as hiring your own child under the age of 14 or employing someone under 14 as a newspaper carrier, operate within the guidelines set by federal laws, which allow for some flexibility in specific contexts.