Employers​ are prohibited from hiring teens under 16 years of age who fail to present an approved work permit. Child Labor Law regulates employment of workers under 16 years of age.The law protects children by: requiring employment certificates. 16-year-old children cannot work more than 10 hours consecutive or more than 10 hours in a 24 hours period. 16 and 17: Can work up to 8 hours on school days, 9 hours on nonschool days, and 30 hours per school week. Work certificates are not required for 16 and 17yearolds. Working hours are limited for children under 16. Generally, employers cannot let children work before a.m. 16 and 17 year olds that are enrolled in school may not work more than 6 consecutive days or 30 hours per week during the school calendar week. Under Illinois child labor laws, children that are 16-years-old and 17-years-old are not restricted regarding how many hours they may work in a work day.