History of Child Labor in the United States Essay Example

In the 1800's, Florida was viewed as a warm and beautiful escape from the cold, booming cities of the North. However, like other growing cities, a deeper story lied beneath. Innocent children were being deprived of the opportunity at an education and a fruitful life. Unlike proper child labor laws enforced today, most minors had to work long shifts with no break, little to no pay, and overall physically challenging positions. These children were seen as the perfect form of labor because they could be paid less, were better at multi-tasking, and were less likely to strike against their bosses and factories.

To begin with, there have been several organizations, laws, and movements that have targeted child labor and its regulation. A major law passed in 1938 named “The Fair Standards Act of 1938” set a minimum wage, maximum number of hours you can work per week, and further restrictions on child labor and underage workers. This law went in effect for all of America. In addition, the National Child Labor Committee helped exploited children have a future path through a free education. Along with directly helping these minors, they fought for further governemnt crackdown and the elimination of child labor altogether (this includes underage workers). They reached their peak in 1938. Another large factor that this reform was hoping to improve was health conditions for factory workers.

Furthermore, working life and conditions were very different during the Industrial Revolution compared to nowadays. We now have stricter laws in place to prevent child labor and overwork. For example, during the Industrial Revolution a child was working a “full-time job” in a factory. They had little time for an education or for playing with friends. The US Depratment of Labor states, “The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets wage, hours worked, and safety requirements for minors (individuals under age 18) working in jobs covered by the statute. The rules vary depending upon the particular age of the minor and the particular job involved. As a general rule, the FLSA sets 14 years old as the minimum age for employment, and limits the number of hours worked by minors under the age of 16. Also, the FLSA generally prohibits the employment of a minor in work declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor (for example, work involving excavation, driving, and the operation of many types of power-driven equipment).” All states also have laws set in place for maximum amount of hours per week a minor is allowed to work.

To wrap it up, working life for minors has largely changed since the Industrial Revolution. Many laws have been put into place restricting the work of minors and has increased the quality and conditions that they are being treated in. Not only does this help them still receive an education but it also leaves extra time for other extracurricular activities and social events. In addition, the health and happiness of workers will be much better.