Part II: How Can This Happen?
This section is intended to give you more background information about the problem and a clearer understanding of current regulations. In order to make a public policy recommendation, another essential step is to understand the root causes of the problem. This section offers a history of child labor laws in the United States and a summary of current policies, as well as a perspective on how these policies compare to international standards. Only by understanding the current realities can we develop reasonable recommendations for how best to move forward.
Video Introduction
- History of Child Labor in the United States
A brief excerpt from the video “Lost Futures”
What Is the History of Child Labor in the United States?
- Child Labor in U.S. History
Historical background, pictures and a timeline - Child Labor Laws and Enforcement
Historical and legal background from the U.S. Department of Labor
What Is the Current U.S. Position?
- Fair Labor Standards Act
Provisions in the primary U.S. law regulating employment standards
relating to children - U.S. Child Labor Law
A comparison between agricultural and non-agricultural employment - Child Labor Laws by State
A comparison of state laws governing child agricultural labor with applicable
federal regulations - No Child Left Behind Act
Text of the special provision for children of migrant workers and the homeless
How Does This Compare with International Standards?
- What Is Oppressive Child Labor
Legal definitions of oppressive child labor from the U.S. government and
international organizations - Legal Standards To Protect Children from Harmful Work
Provides an overview of international standards - Convention on the Rights of the Child
A United Nations document outlining the rights of children regardless of
their country of birth - Convention on the Rights of the Child Summary
Summary and explanation of the U.N document - Convention on the Rights of the Child and the United States
Analysis of the U.S. position on ratification of the convention - ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labor
A document adopted at the 1999 conference of the International Labor
Organization
The Hidden Problem | How Can This Happen? | What Can Be Done? | Photo Gallery