“Children are our future.” That saying rings hollow in the face of a new wave of legislation threatening child labor laws across America. Kids should be in classrooms, not on job sites. Instead, lawmakers in various states are pushing to weaken protections meant to shield young workers from exploitation and dangerous jobs.

Reports show that violations of child labor laws are soaring. In the past year alone, the number of minors employed in violation of these laws jumped by 37%. It’s shocking and unacceptable. Children, especially those from poor backgrounds, are now more vulnerable than ever.

In twenty states, new bills are being proposed or passed to roll back child labor protections. This is not just a small issue. It’s a national crisis. More than ten states have joined this alarming trend. Arkansas, Iowa, Ohio, and Minnesota are at the forefront. They are trying to pass legislation that puts profits over the safety and well-being of children.

A report from the Economic Policy Institute highlights this situation. In it, experts explain the coordinated effort behind these bills. Industry groups are leading the charge. They want unfettered access to low-wage labor. This push follows a long history of child labor violations. The sad reality is that many of the children affected come from minority or immigrant families.

Take the case of Packers Sanitation Services, Inc. (PSSI). The U.S. Department of Labor reported that this company illegally employed over 100 minors in hazardous jobs at meatpacking plants. Children aged 13 to 17 were found working with dangerous equipment overnight. Some even suffered injuries. This is a clear violation of the law.

The rise in child labor violations is no accident. It reflects a broader trend. Since 2021, lawmakers in states across the country have introduced bills to weaken child labor laws. According to a report by Jennifer Sherer and Nina Mast, 30 states have attempted to make it easier for minors to work in unsafe conditions. This includes legislation to eliminate age verification and parental consent requirements. These changes open the door wide for abuse.

Consider Iowa’s proposed legislation. It aims to lift restrictions on hazardous work for minors. It could allow 14-year-olds to work in meat coolers. Allow kids to serve alcohol, and remove protections that trap young workers in bad jobs. This is not an isolated issue. It’s part of a growing battle over the rights of young workers. Some are even advocating for subminimum wages for youth. This is both unjust and dangerous.

Young workers today face mounting challenges. Many are choosing to prioritize education instead of entering the workforce. High school graduation rates are up. Students are looking for better opportunities for long-term success. Declines in youth labor force participation reflect this shift. Yet, industry lobbyists are pushing back. They claim there aren’t enough workers for low-wage jobs.

This narrative is misleading. Reports show that nearly 80% of youth looking for work find it. Many young people are simply making smarter choices. They understand the importance of education in today’s economy. Working low-paying and dangerous jobs is not the answer.

State-level responses to these challenges are critical. Reports reveal that states must eliminate subminimum wages for youth. Paying young workers less than their adult counterparts is unjust. They do the same jobs. They deserve fair compensation. The idea that companies cannot afford to pay more is absurd. A strong economy is based on fair wages, which leads to better productivity and job satisfaction.

Policies must evolve to safeguard children from exploitative conditions. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides a legal framework, yet many states are now introducing laws that contradict these protections. As the U.S. Department of Labor states, when state laws are less restrictive than federal laws, the federal law applies. However, where state laws become weaker, it creates confusion for employers and risks leaving children unprotected.

Children should not be working overnight shifts or dangerous jobs. They should be enjoying their childhood, focusing on education, and growing up in safe environments. Each day, minors across America walk into factories, farms, and construction sites instead of classrooms. This alarming trend indicates a systemic problem fueled by the desire for cheap labor.

Policymakers in both state and federal governments must act. New laws should strengthen child labor protections, not weaken them. Congress should take concrete steps to increase penalties for violations and ensure adequate funding for enforcement agencies. They must eliminate loopholes that allow for weaker protections in agricultural work, where exploitation is rampant.

States have a critical role to play as well. They must raise the minimum wage and eliminate the two-tiered wage system that fails to protect vulnerable youth. By strengthening labor standards enforcement, lawmakers can create a safer working environment for minors. Empowering young workers through unions and collective bargaining is another avenue to ensure their rights are respected.

In every corner of America, states are faced with a choice. They can choose to protect their children or enable exploitation. The future belongs to the youth, and it is time to safeguard their potential. As this battle continues, it is crucial for the public to understand the implications of weakening child labor laws. The safety and education of children must take precedence over corporate interests.

Children are indeed our future. Let’s ensure they are not sacrificed on the altar of profit. As America grapples with this critical issue, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A nation is only as strong as its commitment to protect its most vulnerable citizens. Now is the time for action. Now is the time to stand up for the rights of young workers and ensure that their futures are bright and full of promise.

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Cliff Potts
WPS News, Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2025