Student job from 13

Baby-sitting, delivering newspapers, distributing leaflets: Some schoolchildren want to earn a little extra pocket money from an early age. It is important to know that children under the age of 13 are generally not allowed to work. From the age of 13, light employment is permitted if the parents agree and the Child Labor Protection Ordinance is observed. This is because children are under special protection. Read this article to find out what is permitted and what rules children and parents should know.

Paid employment in their free time may be permitted for pupils aged 13 and over under certain conditions. They may earn a few extra euros if their parents agree, the job is easy and suitable for children and the work does not exceed two hours a day. It is important that the school requirements allow enough freedom for the part-time job and that learning is not neglected.

But which jobs are classified as light and are permitted under the Child Labor Protection Ordinance?

As a general rule, all work that is too strenuous, too dangerous or hazardous to health is prohibited. On the other hand, a job is classified as light if it does not harm the child's safety, health or development and does not adversely affect their school attendance or their ability to follow lessons.

For example, popular school and vacation jobs are permitted for children over the age of 13:

• Delivery of newspapers, magazines, advertising leaflets and advertising brochures
• Household and garden work
• Emergency errands
• Baby-sitting
• Tutoring
• Caring for pets
• Shopping activities with the exception of alcoholic beverages and tobacco
• Handouts during sports
• Activities at non-commercial activities and events organized by churches, religious communities, associations, clubs and parties

On farms is permitted:

• Assisting with harvesting and tilling fields
• Activities in the context of self-marketing of agricultural products
• Caring for animals

Activities are classified as not light and therefore unsuitable if they

• involve lifting, setting down, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving loads that regularly exceed 7.5 kg or occasionally exceed the maximum load weight of 10 kg,
• are strenuous as a result of an unfavorable posture,
• or are associated with accident risks.

If you want to search specifically for student and vacation jobs, you can look in the classifieds section of the newspaper or on digital classifieds sites in the region. There are also internet portals specifically for student jobs. It is often worth asking around in the neighborhood or putting a notice on the supermarket notice board.

The employment of children aged 13 and over is particularly protected by the Youth Employment Protection Act and the Child Employment Protection Ordinance. These clearly regulate - according to age - which conditions must be complied with for school or vacation jobs.

A child within the meaning of the Youth Employment Protection Act is anyone under the age of 15. For 13 to 14-year-olds, the regulations applicable to children within the meaning of the Youth Employment Protection Act apply.

Violations of the Youth Employment Protection Act by employers are considered an administrative offense and can also be prosecuted as a criminal offense in serious cases.

This question is often asked in relation to pay. The answer is: No, there is no statutory minimum wage for student and vacation jobs. The employer can therefore also pay less. The wage usually depends on the age and the responsibility associated with the job. Experience has shown that it ranges from 8 to 10 to 12 to 15 euros with regional fluctuations. Payment is ultimately also a matter of negotiation.

Since 13- and 14-year-olds are not allowed to work more than 2 hours a day, there are usually no taxes or social security contributions to pay.