Should child labour be legal?

[2952-0-0]

Anyone think so? If so, defend that position.

[Dave from Michigan]

in third world countries?    yes

[ATFFL]

No.  This includes paper routes.  Damn kids, taking jobs that adults could do!

[A18]

What constitutes "child labor?"

[Richard]

Uh yes?  Why not?  I have no problem with kids getting a paper route.

[Erc]

In countries that have no viable alternative (ie no real education system), then yes it should be legal.

In countries that do have a viable education system, then nothing above limited part-time jobs (at least until 14 at the minimum) not involving a real threat of physical hardship [and, no, accidentally crashing your bike while delivering papers does not count as a real threat of physical hardship].

[Richard]

In countries that have no viable alternative (ie no real education system), then yes it should be legal.

In countries that do have a viable education system, then nothing above limited part-time jobs (at least until 14 at the minimum) not involving a real threat of physical hardship [and, no, accidentally crashing your bike while delivering papers does not count as a real threat of physical hardship].

So the few kids that finish high school at 13 are not allowed to work full-time if they so choose?

[Filuwaúrdjan]

NO

Not in any country, not in any circumstances

[opebo]

I would prefer the State not interfere in this, however I can see how older workers would like to prevent competition.  I suppose a reasonable compromise would be 12 - which could be tied to a reform of the age of consent and repeal of the laws against prostitution.