Child Labor Laws and Businesses

[Skip8282]

As my girls are now at the age where they want to start working over the summer, many of the businesses they have visited have told them that they have to be 18.  Practically every one in the local mall requires this, I know Lowes and Macy's require this.

I started at 14 in the summers, but we were overseas so I don't remember what things were like stateside, but when I was 17 I don't remember ever having any trouble getting a job.

Just wondering if anybody had any thoughts on this shift.  Liability?  Or have child labor laws become so complex businesses just don't want the hassle? 

[Soul Crusher]

I started working at 12 yo for my fathers construction company.

It was one of the best life lessons I ever learned.

[Skip8282]

I started working at 12 yo for my fathers construction company.

It was one of the best life lessons I ever learned.

I couldn't agree more.  I want them working, but they are trying to avoid the food service industry.  I'm just surprised at how many employers require a minimum age of 18 and I'm wondering what the reasoning may be; labor law hassles?  Liability?  Customer service issues?  Some combination of all of the above?

I definitely think high school students should be getting some real world work experience.

[Soul Crusher]

My dad, who never went to school, handed me a Post Hole Digger and said "Here is your PHD if you screw up in life."

That was probably the most truthful thing ever told to me since.