US states relax child labor laws amid rise in illegal work
US states relax child labor laws amid rise in illegal work Mountain Democrat
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Working Conditions for Minors in the United States
Introduction
Working in industrial laundries at the age of 14 and laboring up to 35 hours a week on top of attending school is a reality for many minors in the United States. Unfortunately, despite the rising cases of exploitation, some US states are relaxing the barriers to employing minors.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. They aim to address various social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by countries around the world. The issue of child labor and exploitation directly relates to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which seeks to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
Changes in Legislation
At least five states in the United States have recently amended their legislation covering adolescent job regulations. Arkansas is the latest state to see these changes take effect in August. These amendments have relaxed the restrictions on employing minors, allowing them to work longer hours and in potentially hazardous environments.
Impact on Minors
The relaxation of regulations surrounding the employment of minors can have severe consequences for their well-being and development. Working long hours at a young age can negatively affect their education, physical health, and mental well-being. It also increases their vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.
Conclusion
While it is important to promote economic growth and job opportunities, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and rights of minors. The Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for addressing these issues and ensuring that all children have access to quality education, safe working conditions, and protection from exploitation.
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
The article discusses the issue of employing minors and the potential exploitation they face. This connects to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. It also relates to SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
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.
The article highlights the issue of child labor, which is directly addressed by SDG target 8.7. Additionally, it mentions minors working alongside their education, indicating a need to ensure that young people have the necessary skills for employment, aligning with SDG target 4.4.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of states amending legislation on adolescent job regulations: This can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards eradicating child labor and implementing measures to protect minors.
- Number of minors employed in industrial laundries: This can be used as an indicator to assess the prevalence of child labor and the effectiveness of efforts to eliminate it.
The article mentions that at least five states have amended their legislation on adolescent job regulations, indicating progress towards eradicating child labor. Additionally, it highlights the employment of minors in industrial laundries, which can serve as an indicator to measure the extent of child labor in this specific industry.
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. | – Number of states amending legislation on adolescent job regulations – Number of minors employed in industrial laundries |
| 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. | – Number of minors employed in industrial laundries |
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: mtdemocrat.com
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