Legal working age

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The legal working age is the minimum age required by law for a person to work, in each country or jurisdiction. Usually, the working age ranges from 14 to 16.^{[citation needed]}

Some types of labor are commonly prohibited even for those above the working age, if they have not reached yet the age of majority. Activities that are dangerous, harmful to the health or that may affect the morals of minors fall into this category.

In most countries, the work of children in the entertainment and fashion industries is allowed without age restrictions.^{[citation needed]} In the US, each state determines minimum working ages.

[edit] Working age by country

Canada - varies between provinces
United States
- New Jersey - 12 or lower depending on job ^[1].
- Maryland - 14 with a work permit. ^[2].

UK ^[3]^{[citation needed]}
- 13 - Part time work WorkSmart from the TUC shows that the type of work is restricted to light agricultural or horticultural work or as allowed by by-laws. Thus, the true minimum age for general work is 14 years.
- 16 - Full time (if left school)
- 18 - Night Work