Middle and high school teachers in English-language learner programs report that it’s now more common for their students to rush off for long shifts after their classes end.
Child Labor Regulations being loosened
It’s not just about unaccompanied minors these days. The bottom line of factories and businesses is being boosted by a universal disregard for child labor laws.
Since 2018, the number of children working illegally rose 69% according to the Department of Labor found in February.
Over the previous fiscal year, 835 companies investigated by the department had employed more than 3,800 children in violation of the law.
Child labor laws are being tweaked to justify children working in sometimes dangerous professions.
As of March, bills weakening child labor laws have been introduced or passed in 10 states over the last two years, according to a study from the admittedly left-leaning Economic Policy Institute.
The state bills cut requirements for additional paperwork for child workers. And expand the hours during which minors are allowed to work.
