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There are many laws in place to protect children, and in America this was taken very seriously during the Industrial Revolution era. During this time children were treated like adults working in factories, and being exploited. Today, there are child labor laws preventing the abuse of children in a workplace, and limiting what roles they can have in a work place, such as age limits when a child can begin work. This was a vital step in protecting children, and bringing awareness globally that children needed to be sheltered from adults that would give no concern to their well-being.

The Steps That Made A Difference

Child labor laws brought an end to the child labor abuse that was occurring in large cities when the United States was entering into a time of change. Many children were injured, abused, or killed during this time with no regard to their age, family, or resulting quality of life. Organizations, like today’s DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, strives to ensure that children are not exploited.

There have also been safeguards to protect children internationally as well, yet many people in foreign countries refuse to acknowledge the rules set in place to protect children. As parents, it is important to shelter children from the harsh realities of child labor, but some families have not choice but to have their children go to work at the age of six, seven, or younger. This is especially true of families in Indonesia, China, and other parts of the globe, where child labor thrives and is very much a normal part of life.