How a teenager can make money: legal ways from the age of 14

“How can a teenager make money?” is a question asked every year by thousands of school students, especially before the summer or when they want to buy a phone, a bicycle or a concert ticket. The good news: there are ways. It is important to know what the law allows and where you need your parents' help.

This part of the guide covers which jobs are allowed from the age of 14, how a school student can make money online safely and why many online ways require an adult to manage the account.

What the law allows

The State Labour Inspectorate (VDI) reminds us: working is allowed from the age of 14. Children aged 14–16 may do only light work, and the written consent of one of the parents or guardians is required for employment. Teenagers aged 16–18 may do more complex work, but only work that does not harm their health, safety and development. Shorter working hours also apply to minors.

How teenagers can make money online

Sell what you no longer need

Games, books, clothes, sports equipment, electronics. You can prepare the ad and reply to buyers yourself, and handle the deal and receiving the money together with your parents.

Lessons for younger children

If you are good at maths, English or music, you can help younger students – in person or over a video call. It is one of the best ways for a school student to earn: clear, safe and it also strengthens your own knowledge.

Help with technology and social media

Many adults will gladly pay for sorting out a phone or computer, transferring photos or help with creating a business account on social media.

Content creation

YouTube, TikTok or a blog is a way to learn filming, editing and writing and to grow an audience at the same time. Platforms have their own age limits, and monetisation and sponsorship contracts usually require the account to be managed by the parents. More in the part of the guide on earning on social media.

Handicrafts and creative work

Jewellery, drawings, postcards, 3D-printed items – they can be sold at fairs, through people you know or on social media.

Affiliate marketing with your parents' help

In affiliate programmes the account and the payouts usually have to be managed by an adult, because a bank account and acceptance of the terms are required. A teenager can create content and share links, while the account and the payouts are in the parents' name. It is a good first introduction to how marketing and sales work.

What to avoid

If something seems too good to be true, talk it over with your parents or another adult you trust.

Real cases: how teenagers and young people are scammed

There are no fewer young people than seniors in the police daily incident reports:

• Klaipėda, September 2026. A young man (born 2007), “supposedly investing”, transferred 550 € to accounts specified by strangers.
• Tauragė, September 2026. A young man (born 2007) transferred 230 € for a gaming computer and did not receive the item.
• Klaipėda, September 2026. A young man (born 2008) transferred 465 € for a car bonnet offered on a social network – he did not receive the item.
• Vilnius, October 2026. A young man (born 2005) clicked a link in an SMS about a supposedly unpaid fine, entered his bank details and lost 1 650 €.

The general rule: do not transfer money to a stranger in advance and do not enter bank details through a link you were sent. If it has already happened – tell your parents straight away, call the bank and report it to the police via epolicija.lt or by phone on 112.

Tips for parents

• Help to create the ad or the service description, but let the teenager communicate with buyers on their own.
• Agree on which platforms and what personal information may be used.
• Explain that earning online is work, and promises of “fast and without work” are a scam.

Frequently asked questions