Illegal Child Labor in the United States: Prevalence and Characteristics

Abstract

Using the Current Population Survey, the National Longitudinal Survey, and other sources, the authors provide the first comprehensive estimates of the number of minors working in violation of federal and state child labor laws (working excessive hours or in hazardous occupations), their characteristics, their wages, and trends in illegal child labor. Although illegal employment of 15-17-year-olds has declined since the 1970s, some 154,000 minors are employed illegally in an average week, and 301,000 in a year. Illegal work hours total about 110 million per year. Whites, males, and 15-year-olds are the most likely to be working in violation of child labor laws. Youths working illegally in hazardous jobs earn, on average, $1.38 per hour less than legal young adults in the same occupations, which, combined with savings from employing youths for excessive hours, adds up to employer cost savings of roughly $136 million per year.W hether and how children should be it T employed have long been subject to competing views. Some have argued that child labor can enhance skill development and socialization into the world of work, and steer children away from delinquency. On the other side are those who fear that it may limit the time and energy spent on more valuable formal education, expose

Adolescent health and the environment.

“…Rules are less restrictive for teenagers who work on family farms and in family businesses. Illegal employment of adolescents must also be taken into account (39).…”

Injury risks in children of California migrant Hispanic farm worker families

“…Employment and earnings data indicate that approximately 132,000 children aged 16-17 worked on US farms in 1995 [Arroyo, 1997]. Similar estimates have been provided by other sources, including the National Agricultural Workers Survey and the Current Population Survey [Kruse, 1997;General Accounting Office, 1998;U.S. Department of Labor, 2000].…”

“…Agriculture is unique in that, despite its hazardous nature, child labor is common [Kruse, 1997;U.S. Department of Labor, 2000].…”

Unfinished Business: The Persistence of Child Labor in the US

“…Kruse and Mahoney (2000) estimate approximately 154,000 minors are illegally employed during any given week, and approximately 301,000 are illegally employed at some time during the year. Illegal work activity of minors constitutes roughly $552 million in economic activity and employers save roughly $136 million per year through the illegal employment of minors.…”