One friend didn't have to work, but her rules were that once she started to work, she had to stay working. Nevermind that she was still in school.
Not just that, but young folks are easier to exploit. And that's one of those issues: When you take away protections and barriers, you make it easier for people to be exploited. This doesn't help poor families: Actually making sure folks have the money for young folks only work by choice does.
Exactly, this is why have laws against the sexual exploitation of minors by adults. It is much easier much easier to talk a minor in to doing something that is not in their favor by their lack of life experience.
Does this mean minors should not work... No. Things like apprenticeships and things that are low risk of injury should be fine. Myself, I grew up on a farm and every damned thing there is looking to remove some part of your body. I knew young people that had limbs removed on their family farm by what would be simple mistakes, but hey have a life long impact.
so regarding the poor families this would supposedly help, I'd argue it's more complicated than that, and what this may be doing is providing short term help while sacrificing long term social mobility. keep the poor working and not learning and they'll mostly stay poor.
there's nothing wrong of course with a part time gig to get accustomed to different responsibilities, but it should remain restricted to that. you've got your entire life to work full-time, there's no need to rush things.
I personally think that we have gone in the other direction too much where our kids are overprotected from real life skills and are shielded too much until they are in early 20s and then they struggle big time. I know at least 2 20+ year olds who are very lost and have never worked a real job in their life.
Personally as a parent, I have no issues getting my kids getting a tough shit job in a McDonalds for a 5-6 hour shift. Does that count as Child Labor ?
If only we lived in a world with more than 2 choices for everything...
> McDonalds for a 5-6 hour shift. Does that count as Child Labor ?
No, if there are health and safety protections in place and enforced. And it's not interfering with schoolwork or rest.