Work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential, and their dignity, and that is harmful to their physical and mental development. International standards* set the general minimum age for admission to employment or work at 15 years (13 for light work) and the minimum age for hazardous work at 18 (16 under certain strict conditions). They provide for the possibility of initially setting the general minimum age at 14 (12 for light work) where the economy and educational facilities are insufficiently developed.

• Hazardous work is work which, by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out, is likely to jeopardise the health, safety, or morals of young persons.^**
• Children between the ages of 13 and 15 years old may do light work, as long as it does not harm their health or development, or hinder their attendance at school or participation in vocational orientation and training.^***

^{* Source: ILO Convention 138
** Adapted from ILO Convention 138, Article 3; ILO Recommendation 190
*** Adapted from ILO Convention 138, Article 7}