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In recent months, the sight of “Help Wanted” signs has become increasingly common, yet many of these job openings remain unfilled. Across the United States, businesses are grappling with an unprecedented labor shortage. This crisis stems from several factors, primarily the growing unwillingness of adults to accept low-paying, often hazardous jobs during an ongoing pandemic. In response to this labor challenge, some states are proposing to relax child labor laws instead of addressing the root causes of worker dissatisfaction.
In essence, as adult workers resist exploitation, certain states have opted to turn to children as a cheaper labor alternative.
If this situation sparks outrage, you are not alone. “It is absurd to think that we could alleviate economic issues by expanding child labor hours, which could be significantly harmful to the well-being of young people,” stated Lisa Grant, executive director of the League of Young Voters in Wisconsin, in a conversation with The Guardian.
States Modifying Child Labor Regulations
Recently, lawmakers in Ohio introduced a bill allowing children under 16 to work until 9 p.m. with parental consent, an increase from the current limit of 7 p.m. Wisconsin’s proposed legislation, SB332, goes even further, permitting 14- and 15-year-olds to begin work at 6 a.m. and continue until 11 p.m. on weekends.
Activists are concerned that if these measures pass, they could set a dangerous precedent for other states to follow. Stephanie Greenfield, president of the Wisconsin Labor Coalition, expressed concerns in an interview with The Guardian, noting that “[t]he approval of this bill could lead to the erosion of child labor protections in Wisconsin and potentially nationwide.”
The Purpose of Child Labor Laws
Child Labor Laws were established to safeguard educational opportunities for youth and to prevent their involvement in jobs that could jeopardize their health and safety, according to the Department of Labor. Yet, the new proposals in Ohio and Wisconsin seem to disregard this important objective.
Supporters of the Wisconsin bill, including Republican legislators and the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, argue that these changes are necessary to assist small businesses facing staffing shortages. However, they fail to explain how loosening labor regulations would benefit minors or why the existing protections are no longer relevant. The well-being of children appears to have been completely overlooked.
The Risks of Extended Working Hours
Research indicates that long working hours during the school year can negatively affect teenagers. A study conducted by the University of Wisconsin found compelling evidence that working more than twenty hours weekly correlates with poor academic performance and behavioral issues. Lead researcher, Thomas Bennett, expressed concerns about sleep deprivation, noting that teens who work late often struggle to complete homework, socialize, and unwind, leading to insufficient sleep.
More alarmingly, studies show that children who enter the workforce at a younger age face numerous adverse effects, including increased rates of substance abuse and higher dropout rates.
The Burden Should Not Fall on Teenagers
It’s important to clarify that no one suggests banning teenagers from working entirely. The fact is, teenage employment surged during the summer of 2021, reaching levels not seen since 2008. For the first time, the unemployment rate for 16- to 19-year-olds dipped below that of 20- to 24-year-olds.
However, it is unreasonable to expect teenagers to fill the gaps left by a struggling workforce. Lawmakers should investigate the underlying causes of labor shortages rather than sidestepping the issue by exploiting young workers.
Having entered the workforce as soon as I was legally allowed, I can relate to the experience of juggling school and jobs. I worked various positions, from a hostess at a restaurant to a camp counselor, always adhering to labor laws that limited my working hours. Regardless of demand, my shifts ended when I reached my hourly limit, ensuring that my focus remained on education rather than just making money.
Teenagers should not have to shoulder the burden of a labor market failure, especially not during a pandemic.
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In summary, the push to relax child labor laws in states like Ohio and Wisconsin highlights a troubling shift towards utilizing younger workers as a solution to labor shortages. This approach neglects the vital protections established to safeguard the well-being of children and could lead to detrimental long-term consequences for their health and education.