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Current trends in state child labor legislation and enforcement
1General Counsel, National Child Labor Committee, New York, NY 10036.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Current child labor laws prioritize education over occupational health. While some laws increase penalties and add agricultural restrictions, enforcement is declining, potentially impacting youth safety.
Area of Science:
- Labor Law
- Occupational Health
- Child Welfare
Background:
- Recent child labor law activity is extensive.
- Legislation primarily focuses on educational priorities for youth.
- Occupational health hazards are largely unaddressed in current child labor laws.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the focus of current child labor legislation.
- To identify changes in child labor laws that may impact youth health and safety.
- To assess the trend in enforcement of child labor protections.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent state legislative changes concerning child labor.
- Analysis of the stated priorities within child labor legislation.
- Examination of trends in the enforcement of child labor laws.
Main Results:
- Legislation prioritizes education, not workplace health and safety.
- Monetary fines and agricultural restrictions show minor changes.
- Enforcement of child labor laws is decreasing across states.
Conclusions:
- Current child labor laws neglect occupational health risks for youth.
- Decreased enforcement may undermine existing child labor protections.
- Policy shifts require a greater focus on safeguarding children in the workplace.