General Education Development (GED) Practice Exam

Which is an example of a job that a child may legally perform under age 14?

1. Daycare assistant

2. Farm work on a family farm

3. Office assistant

4. Busboy in a restaurant

The correct answer is: Farm work on a family farm

The choice of farm work on a family farm stands out as a legally permissible job for children under the age of 14 due to specific labor regulations that allow for children to engage in agricultural activities. In many jurisdictions, children are permitted to participate in farming tasks, especially if those tasks occur on a family-operated farm, which is seen as a way for families to instill work ethics and teach responsibilities. This law is designed to facilitate learning about agriculture and promote family involvement in farming, as these jobs tend to have lower safety risks compared to other types of employment. On the other hand, daycare assistant, office assistant, and busboy roles typically fall under stricter labor regulations that prohibit the employment of very young children due to safety, work environment, and the nature of the tasks involved. In general, jobs that involve handling machinery, potential hazardous conditions, or that may require a significant time commitment beyond a few hours are more regulated when it comes to the employment of minors.