Pensacola shop owner says child labor law changes allow for more opportunity, inspiration

PENSACOLA, Florida Enacts Controversial Changes to Child Labor Protections

A series of new laws have been implemented in Florida, including significant changes to child labor protections. House Bill 49, which has sparked controversy, eliminates work-hour restrictions for certain minors aged 16 and 17. It now allows minors to work up to eight hours on specific days of the year. Additionally, school superintendents have the authority to waive restrictions on students seeking to work more than 30 hours per week.

Empowering Youth through Entrepreneurship

BAM! Snoballs, a gourmet Snoball shop in Pensacola, was founded by brothers Jamal and Jamari Sharp with the aim of inspiring the local youth. The business, which features a super-hero theme, has been operating for four years and currently employs several young teenagers. The Sharp brothers view their establishment as an opportunity to showcase the potential for youth in the area who are searching for direction.

• “We’re some people’s livelihood,” said Jamal Sharp. “Yes, they’re children, but we don’t know what that’s doing for some people’s lives.”

By bringing a business into the community, the Sharp brothers hope to make a positive impact on the youth and provide employment opportunities. They believe that Florida’s new child labor laws, which permit minors to work up to 40 hours a week, will benefit struggling youth and their families.

Changes in Child Labor Laws

Previously, state law prohibited minors from working more than 30 hours a week, with a maximum of eight hours on a school night. However, the recent changes now allow all minors to work more than eight hours on Sundays and holidays, even if they have school the following day. Students can now work up to 40 hours per week with approval from their school superintendent. Additionally, minors working eight hours are entitled to an hour-long lunch break.

Debate and Perspectives

While critics argue that these laws weaken child labor protections by providing cheap labor to big businesses, Jamal Sharp believes that they create a healthy and hard-working culture for young employees who contribute to their families’ well-being.

• “It’s amazing because now these children are able to work more hours, gain more experience, and earn more money for their families,” Sharp said. “Often, that’s the reality for young people.”

Sharp emphasizes the importance of resources, money, and jobs in today’s society. He believes that even if a child or young adult has a job and can afford the things they want, it can significantly help their family. The Sharp brothers are dedicated to showing the youth in their area that opportunities exist.

Changing the Narrative

Through resources and mentorship, the Sharp brothers aim to alter the perception of starting from the bottom. Their business, BAM! Snoballs, which stands for “By All Means,” serves as living proof that anything one wants to accomplish is possible. The brothers have expanded their business with multiple locations across Pensacola and have recently published a children’s book to inspire kids about their potential.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The article discusses the controversial changes to child labor protections in Florida. These changes are directly related to the issue of decent work and economic growth, which is the focus of SDG 8.

SDG 4: Quality Education

The article mentions the impact of the new child labor laws on youth who are looking for direction and opportunities. This connects to SDG 4, which aims to provide quality education and relevant skills for employment.

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

Target 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, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.

The article highlights the controversial changes to child labor protections in Florida, which can be seen as a deviation from the target of ending child labor in all its forms by 2025.

Target 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.

The article mentions the importance of providing opportunities for youth and showcasing resources for them. This aligns with the target of increasing the number of youth with relevant skills for employment.

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

Indicator 8.7.1: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group

The article discusses the changes to child labor laws in Florida, which can impact the proportion and number of children engaged in child labor. This indicator can be used to measure progress towards ending child labor.

Indicator 4.4.1: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill

The article mentions the importance of providing resources and mentorship to youth. While not directly related to ICT skills, this indicator can be used to measure progress towards increasing the skills and opportunities available to youth.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: weartv.com