Child Labor Laws: Too Strict for Teens?
Have you ever examined the child labor laws closely? See for yourself how these regulations may be too stringent for teens, and how it may be time for a change.
Are you a teen looking for a summer job? Some quick cash, for spending and savings? Besides the norm (babysitting, extra chores, etc.), it’s extremely difficult to find a job if you’re under 18.
Granted, teens 14 and older can gain a working permit from their local town or school office, but this comes with many regulations.
These regulations are very debatable. Back in the 1800-1900s, children as young as three were forced to work in “sweat shops”; 12 hour days without breaks, etc. The United States has come a long way since then, and without the regulations set forth today, many children would be mistreated and worked possibly to death like the old days.
Of course, on the flipside, some teens are old enough to take responsibility and manage work and schooling. Regulations force teens to work less than X amount of hours, per day / per week. Businesses that are caught violating such standards risk a hefty fine up to and over $1,000!
Now, for the average teenager, it would be easy to follow the government regulations. But for teenagers that are looking for something more; working somewhere in which they do not have want to work, these regulations are almost foolish. Even for to work, but business owner’s children, they receive no exception.
This means that the government will not allow children to stay under the supervision of their mothers and fathers, the proprietors of the building; the people who have the best in mind for their children. In an effort to keep teens out of trouble – away from drugs, alcohol, and underage sex, the government bans this safe haven for more than 7 hours per day, 16 hours per week. What are the teens supposed to do after their 7 hour limit has been reached? Government officials do not take this in consideration when designing these “helpful” rules.
In a world that is ruled by laws, guidelines, and regulations – many that provide a safe and comfortable world to live in – it does not exclude them from being closely examined. What if a certain regulation was counterproductive?: keeping teens from being overworked but allowing them to venture off into a world in which they are not ready to explore and experience, after they punch out for the day.
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