Sarah Huckabee Sanders smiles next to frowning kids as labour law goes into effect
Sarah Huckabee Sanders smiles next to frowning kids as labour law goes into effect The Independent
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Arkansas Children No Longer Require Permission to Work
Arkansas children under the age of 16 no longer have to obtain permission to work in the state, a decision so controversial that a photo of the legislation being signed into law speaks for itself: a smiling governor and the frowning children sitting beside her.
The photo was taken on 8 March 2023 when Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the bill into law. However, New York Times reporter Hannah Dreier resurfaced the photo on X – formerly known as Twitter – on Tuesday, the day that the “Youth Hiring Act of 2023” went into effect.
The post drew a wide range of reactions from social media users, from criticism to sarcastic comments.
Reactions on Social Media
- Orlando Sentinel reporter J.C. Carnahan wrote sarcastically, “The kids look enthused about it. What could go wrong?”
- “The kids in this photo look super stoked,” another said similarly.
- Another user remarked, “Talk about turn back the clock–good ol’ Huck-a-Buck just returned her state to the early 1900s. Way to go!!”
- One user went so far as to say, “They’d rather put little kids to work (because kids will be glad to get any amount of money) than raise the minimum wage.”
Ms Sanders’ communications director spoke to NPR after the governor signed the bill into law in March: “The Governor believes protecting kids is most important, but this permit was an arbitrary burden on parents to get permission from the government for their child to get a job.
She added, “All child labor laws that actually protect children still apply and we expect businesses to comply just as they are required to do now.”
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This decision raises concerns about the potential violation of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The SDGs aim to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. By allowing children to work without obtaining permission, there is a risk of exploitation and violation of their rights.
In 2022, the Department of Labor reported that there were 3,876 minors illegally employed; the highest figure in the past 10 years. This highlights the importance of enforcing child labor laws to protect children from exploitation.
A March report by the Economic Policy Institute said that 14 states have either introduced or passed bills that roll back child labor laws. This trend is concerning as it undermines efforts to ensure the well-being and development of children.
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
- SDG 4: Quality Education
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- 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 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.
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 8.7: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.
- No specific indicator mentioned for SDG 4.4 in the article.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 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. | Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group. |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 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. | No specific indicator mentioned in the article. |
The article highlights the issue of child labor in Arkansas, which is connected to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Specifically, it addresses the target of SDG 8.7, which aims to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The article mentions that children under the age of 16 no longer need permission to work in Arkansas, which raises concerns about child labor exploitation.
The article also indirectly relates to SDG 4: Quality Education. While not explicitly mentioned in the article, the issue of child labor can hinder access to education and quality learning opportunities for children. SDG 4.4 aims to increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
The article does not provide a specific indicator for SDG 4.4. However, for SDG 8.7, the article implies an indicator: the proportion and number of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labor, by sex and age group. This indicator can be used to measure progress towards eliminating child labor and ensuring the protection of children’s rights.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: independent.co.uk
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