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Minors can begin working in non-hazardous jobs during school hours starting at the age of 14, as stipulated by federal law. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) outlines specific regulations regarding the employment of minors. At 14, individuals can work in certain non-hazardous jobs, but they are subject to restrictions regarding the number of hours they can work during the school year.

By age 15, the restrictions still apply but with a broader scope of permissible work. At age 16, minors can work more hours and have fewer restrictions, enabling them to take on a more significant role in the workforce, including working during school hours. This regulation reflects a key understanding of balancing education and work, emphasizing that younger minors have limited opportunities to ensure their education remains a priority.

Therefore, 16 is the correct answer because it's the age at which minors can work in non-hazardous jobs during school hours with more flexible regulations compared to younger minors.