If you are under 18 then you are considered a "child" in labor terms. Different states have different laws about people under 18 and work eligibility. In Illinois, I was able to get a job at 15 with a work permit that my school had to sign and very strict rules about what I can and cannot do. They were allowed to pay me less than minimum wage as long as they followed those rules. I don't think it's wrong to let teens get jobs and start learning how the working world works and also make a bit of money for whatever they might use it on. But um... Maybe they deserve a lunch break?