Since 2015, investigations into child labor and violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act have increased, the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division reported.

In fiscal year 2021 the division discovered 2,819 children working illegally and fined employers roughly $3.4 million in civil money penalties, according to a Sept. 12 Department of Labor news release.

“Ensuring the safety of our youngest workers and bringing employers into compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act’s child labor restrictions are high priorities for the Wage and Hour Division,” said Wage and Hour District Director Steven McKinney in Manchester, N.H., according to the release. “We encourage employers to be proactive and to use best practice measures to ensure they protect young workers.”

Employers are encouraged to review the Department of Labor’s YouthRules! initiative materials and Seven Child Labor Best Practices for Employers website. The Wage and Hour Division can be contacted directly to answer questions about how to keep minors safe in the workplace, according to the release.

The Labor Department also offers a fact sheet on Fair Labor Standards Act wage protections and the restaurant industry and information for employers and for young workers, parents and educators about child labor to promote positive and safe work experiences for teens, the release reported.