Ever wonder how Hollywood navigates child labor laws?
Establishing child labor laws was one of the primary goals behind the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Since this document was created in 1938, it has been adapted on a number of occasions to reflect the rising cost of living and the evolution of American work culture. One thing, however, has not changed. As a nation, we do not want children to be exploited as laborers. So, we ensure they are not asked to perform dangerous work and are properly paid for their time and attendance.
This is why there are restrictions in place that limit the types of positions people under 18 can take. Kids as young as 14 can take jobs to gain experience and earn money for companies that are not owned by their parents, but only if they are employed as babysitters on a casual basis, residential newspaper delivers, homeworkers for evergreen wreath operations or performers in the entertainment industry.
If the FLSA did not allow for children to be actors, Hollywood movies wouldn't be the same and the American public would never have seen the rise of stars like Mickey Rooney, Shirley Temple, Macaulay Culkin and Dakota Fanning, according to a list compiled by the International Movie Database.
That's because the California Labor Commissioner issues permits to allow certain minors to work within the entertainment industry as long as their employee attendance is limited and they keep up with their education.
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