Why and When Younger and Other Children Should Be Allowed to Work

Many children, especially in developing nations, regularly work to help their families. Very often these children are exploited, i.e. they are not privy to education, are subjected to unsafe or unethical working conditions, and/or they are not fairly paid.

These issues can be reconciled, however, to avail any child who is capable of working any safe and ethical job fair privilege.

All children should be privy to education. This should take precedence over work where a child is concerned. It and earning satisfactory grades should be a prerequisite for the child's eligibility to work, and availing education to every child should be the law of the land in every nation and community. 

During the active school year, a child should work no more than 20 hours per week. They should be eligible to work additional hours, up to full-time or more during summers and other breaks depending on the type of job and their level of maturity.

Safe jobs that children could work include being tutors or teaching assistants when they make the grades or demonstrate mastery of specific subject material. They could additionally be receptionists, office assistants, et cetera. Children can additionally be successful entrepreneurs... 

...There should be a Youth Employment Division of the Department of Labor that specializes in connecting youth to employment opportunities. There should additionally be a Youth Entrepreneurial Division of the Small Business Administration and/or other similar agencies that would help youth who are interested in successfully managing their own businesses...

Proliferation of after school employment programs for all children who are capable of working specific jobs would provide much-needed income in many struggling households on the same token of providing childcare and/or constructive ventures that would help keep our youth out of trouble, in school, and on solid career paths...