Can Children Perform Melachah (Prohibited Activity) on Shabbat?

Many mistakenly assume that children may perform activities that are prohibited on Shabbat or act as a kind of “Shabbos goy.” But Halacha (Jewish law) sets clear boundaries when it comes to instructing or allowing a child to do melachah (forbidden labor). This article outlines those rules and clarifies common misconceptions.

Is It Permissible to Ask a Child to Do Melachah?

It is strictly forbidden to tell a child to perform melachah on Shabbat—this applies to both Torah-level prohibitions and rabbinic ones. 

If a very young child (under age 3) turns on a light or does a melachah on their own initiative, there is no obligation to stop them, although many choose to do so out of respect for Shabbat. However, once a child reaches age 3, they must be actively prevented from performing melachah on Shabbat. According to the Shulchan Aruch, this responsibility lies with the parent, but the Mishnah Berurah (343:7) rules that any adult must intervene if the child is performing a Torah-level prohibition.

Can You Indirectly Cause a Child to Violate Shabbat?

Even asking a child under 3 to perform melachah is forbidden. Although, technically, one may place a toddler near a light switch with the hope that they will turn it on themselves, this is generally discouraged. Such actions diminish the sanctity of Shabbat and should only be allowed in cases of great need—such as if the lights are on and small children cannot sleep. If a child performs a melachah for their own benefit, an adult may benefit from the result (Shulchan Aruch 325:10, Biur Halacha s.v. “ein”).

What If There’s a Halachic Dispute?

In situations involving rabbinic prohibitions where there is a halachic (Jewish legal) dispute, it may be permissible to ask a child to perform the action, especially when there is a need. For example, the Beit Yosef (Orach Chaim 269) permits allowing a child to eat or drink before Kiddush, despite some opinions that prohibit it.

However, this principle does not apply to cases involving protective rabbinic decrees (gezeirot), such as hatmanah (insulating food), where the concern is that one might come to stir coals. 

What About Bein HaShmashot (Twilight) on Friday Evening?

If someone forgets to plug in a hot plate before Shabbat, it is not permitted to ask a child to plug it in during bein hashmashot (Shulchan Aruch 343). However, if the child does it on their own or if it was done for the sake of a mitzvah, leniencies may apply.

In terms of benefiting from the food afterward, it is permitted based on safek d’rabbanan l’kula (leniency in cases of rabbinic doubt). After all, according to Rabbeinu Tam, bein hashmashot is still considered the weekday. Additional grounds for leniency include the view of the Zayit Ra’anan, who holds that bein hashmashot violations are not punishable, and the opinions of the Kaf HaChayim (318:22) and Rabbi Ovadia Yosef (Halichot Olam vol. 4, p. 35), who allow benefit bediavad (as a last resort). 

In Summary

Asking a child to perform melachah on Shabbat is prohibited, regardless of age. However, exceptions and leniencies exist in specific cases, especially with very young children, indirect actions, or rabbinic-level prohibitions in situations of pressing need. The laws are nuanced, and maintaining the sanctity of Shabbat requires careful observance and sensitivity to both the spirit and the letter of the law.