News for the Nation
Little Freedom; Reality of Child Labor Across America
More childLittle Freedom; Reality of Child Labor Across Americaren in factories across the country are being put through the sad reality of child labor. The U.S. Labor Department estimated that one million seven hundred and fifty thousand child workers are working in different industries. Textile mills are employing more American children than any other business. Another example of a job that children are being offered are “trap boys”. This job is specifically intended for young boys around the age of twelve. Other businesses that children can work in are glass shops, coal mines, butcher shops, department stores, and selling newspapers.There are also many dangers to working in businesses at such a young age. Some children who are working in glass houses are very easily burned at the temperatures up to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, there are children in coal mines worked as “breaker boys” picking up pieces of sharp slate off of the conveyor belt as it carries coal throughout the mine. Children under fifteen work for as long as sixteen hours and get paid very little. Their long hours make their ability to acquire an education impossible.People who are employing children viewed them as economic belongings not as children in need of instruction and care. Because of many families’ lack of money, children are forced to help contribute to the family’s income by working full time jobs. It is truly unfortunate when you consider the freedoms most children should enjoy. The hardship that these children are facing is truly outrageous and unfair. Child Labor is an unfortunate and unacceptable and we need to do something about it now.