Across the United States, a growing number of states are rolling back child labor protections, raising concerns that the country is shifting from safeguarding young workers to enabling their exploitation. Recent legislative changes have weakened standards on minimum wage, allowing some employers to pay minors less than adult workers for the same jobs, while also expanding the number of hours teens can legally work—often during school nights or late into the evening. At the same time, restrictions on hazardous occupations have been loosened in certain industries, increasing the risk of injury for young employees. These policy shifts come alongside a documented rise in child labor violations, suggesting that as protections erode, more minors are entering workplaces where their safety, education, and fair compensation may be compromised.

#chil ...