Older Ky. teens could work later, longer under bill passed to weaken child labor laws

Proposed Bill in Kentucky Advances, Allowing Unlimited Work Hours for Older Teenagers

A measure that would allow older teenagers in Kentucky to work an unlimited number of hours each week and at any hour when school isn’t in session is advancing in the state House of Representatives. The proposed bill, known as House Bill 255, has generated significant debate regarding its potential impact on child labor and education.

Encouraging Work to Promote Education

Bill sponsor Rep. Bill Pratt, a Republican from Georgetown, believes that encouraging children to work more would motivate them to be more productive and focused on their education. He argues that working in menial jobs at an early age can instill a sense of responsibility and drive for academic success.

Concerns of Exploitation and Negative Impacts

Opponents of the bill express concerns about the potential exploitation of minors and the increased reliance on child labor by employers. They argue that loosening child labor laws could negatively affect graduation rates and post-secondary attainment in the state. Critics also worry about the impact on wages and job opportunities for adult workers.

Restrictions and Regulations

The proposed bill aims to align Kentucky’s child labor laws with federal regulations. Currently, children 14 years and older are allowed to work in Kentucky with certain restrictions. The bill would prevent state agencies from setting their own standards for child labor that are more restrictive than federal law.

Impact on Education and Career Readiness

Advocates for the bill, including Rep. Pratt, argue that increased participation in the workforce does not necessarily lead to lower educational attainment. They believe that students should have the freedom to choose between work, sports, clubs, and other activities as part of their personal and career development.

Debate on the Potential Consequences

Various stakeholders have voiced their concerns about the potential consequences of the proposed bill. Critics worry that it could trap students in a cycle of poverty by prioritizing work over education. They emphasize the importance of maintaining strong child protection laws and ensuring that students have the opportunity to pursue higher education or vocational pathways.

Next Steps

The bill has passed committee and will now move to the House floor for further consideration.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article discusses the potential impact of a bill that would change child labor laws in Kentucky. This directly relates to SDG 4, as it raises concerns about the impact of increased work hours on educational attainment. It also connects to SDG 8, as it addresses the issue of decent work for young people and the potential exploitation of minors. Additionally, it touches on SDG 10, as it raises concerns about the potential for increased inequality and the impact on vulnerable groups.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
• SDG 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

The article highlights concerns about the potential impact of increased work hours on educational attainment, which is relevant to SDG 4.4. It also raises concerns about the potential exploitation of minors and the need to eradicate the worst forms of child labor, aligning with SDG 8.7. Furthermore, it discusses the potential impact on inequality and the need for social and economic inclusion, which relates to SDG 10.2.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 4.4: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill.
• Indicator for SDG 8.7: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.

The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators. However, to measure progress towards SDG 4.4, one could look at the proportion of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment, such as technical and vocational skills. For SDG 8.7, one could examine the proportion and number of children engaged in child labor. Lastly, for SDG 10.2, one could analyze the proportion of people living below a certain income threshold, considering age, sex, and disability.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: lpm.org

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