At the Wage and Hour Division, safeguarding children at work has always been our top priority. We want young people to have access to positive and safe first work experiences that allow them to develop skills, earn money, and learn what it means to be part of the labor force. However, a job should never jeopardize a child’s safety, well-being, or educational opportunities.
Child Labor Violations Have Increased
The Division’s investigations uncovered an alarming trend in the employment of children in dangerous conditions, which is why the Division, the Department of Labor, and partners across the country have made combating the most egregious forms of illegal child labor our top priority.
Between 2019 and 2024, DOL saw a 31% increase in the number of children employed in violation of federal child labor laws. This enforcement data reflects WHD’s work uncovering and investigating more child labor cases and is a result of our focus on this critical issue. In February 2023, WHD announced findings from one of the most pivotal child labor exploitation cases in agency history.
In November 2024, DOL submitted this report to Congress describing efforts to prevent and combat the employment of children in violation of federal child labor laws, including how WHD has worked with stakeholders, communities, educators, law enforcement partners, and industries.