Should children be allowed to work? – The Boston Globe

The Importance of Child Labor Protections in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

When I was growing up in Mexico, it was common to see children as young as 6 or 7 years old working. In major cities, they would mostly work in the informal economy, like selling gum on the streets or offering to wash car windshields at traffic lights.

The Global Issue of Child Labor

Child labor is a problematic global phenomenon. According to the United Nations, Africa has the highest number of working children, followed by Asia and the Pacific. Poverty is often assumed to be the main driver of child labor, as minors are forced to work instead of attending school. However, other factors such as child trafficking may also contribute to this issue.

Rollbacks on Child Labor Protections

It is perplexing that Republican lawmakers across the United States have been leading legislative efforts to undo child labor protections. In Wisconsin, GOP state lawmakers filed a bill that would allow minors ages 14 and 15 to work without requiring a youth work permit or parental authorization. Another bill filed earlier in the year in that state would let teen workers as young as 14 serve alcohol in bars and restaurants. Similarly, in Arkansas, Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the Youth Hiring Act of 2023 in March, which eliminates a requirement that the state verify the age of minors under 16 before they can work.

The Dangers of Weakening Child Labor Protections

While there is a distinction between older teenagers and young children in the workplace, it is crucial to maintain necessary oversight and safeguards. Allowing younger people to work additional hours and in dangerous occupations is not the solution to a tight labor market. Troubling media reports have highlighted widespread child labor violations in many industries, leading to accidents and tragedies that could have been prevented.

The Connection to Immigration and Labor Shortages

The connection between child labor and the dysfunctional immigration system in the United States cannot be ignored. The prevailing labor shortage further exacerbates this issue. Nationwide efforts to roll back child labor protections are dangerous, as they fail to address the root causes of child labor and put vulnerable children at risk.

The Need for Strong Child Labor Laws

Strict regulations on child labor are necessary to protect the rights and well-being of children. In Massachusetts, teens between the ages of 14 and 18 can work under strict regulations that severely limit the types of jobs they can perform and their work hours. However, there are still instances of illegal child labor occurring in various industries across the country.

Lessons from Mexico

The example of Mexico serves as a stark reminder of what can happen when there is no oversight or enforcement of child labor laws. Although we may never reach the same level as Mexico, it underscores the importance of having strong child labor protections in place.

Conclusion

Child labor is a pressing issue that requires attention and action. Upholding child labor protections is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Goal 4: Quality Education. By prioritizing the well-being and rights of children, we can create a more just and sustainable future.

About the Author

Marcela García is a Globe columnist. She can be reached at marcela.garcia@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @marcela_elisa and on Instagram @marcela_elisa.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

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 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies.
• SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

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 (aged 15-24 years) employed or in education or training.
• Indicator for SDG 8.7: Proportion and number of children aged 5-17 engaged in child labor, by sex and age group.
• Indicator for SDG 10.7: Number of countries that have implemented well-managed migration policies.
• Indicator for SDG 16.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: bostonglobe.com

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