The Legal of Employment and Whether 14 is Too Young

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The Legal of Employment and Whether 14 is Too Young

In this discussion I will be addressing the topic "Should children under the age of 14 be able to be legally employed?" I will be looking at the advantages and disadvantages of children who are under the age of 14 working in paid employment. In particular what motivates them to work and the dangers and potential problems that someone under 14 presents in the workforce.

The case for the affirmative side can be argued by putting the question "Why do most people work?" The most obvious answer would be Money. Everyone needs money; children who are under the age of 14 need money just like older people. They need it to spend not on things like groceries or a mortgage, but entertainment and to keep up with the latest trend in things. It is hard to get by on pocket money alone.

On the other hand the argument against children under 14 needing money is very simply stated they are still under their parents' care, and do not have to look after themselves like older people do; therefore they do not need money. Their parents can provide anything that they require. Another thing to consider is that they might be depriving older teenagers or adults of a job. I will deal with the possibility of exploitation later.

But it is not only money, for a lot of older children and or younger teenagers working can be a very positive thing for them, that can lead to many benefits in life. The jobs that are in question here are not high paying jobs, so they require very little experience, and give considerable experience for their later life. Kids these days are looking for challenges, working keeps them occupied, it also gives them confidence and self-esteem.

However, there is the possibility of losing self-respect by taking up a job because children are often not ready to take on all the responsibility of working. What happens is that because the job is hard or tedious usually for very little money, as employers pay as little as possible, it can be a bad experience for later life. The kid can get the attitude that work, for so little pay, sucks. Then there are the unscrupulous employers who can and sometimes do get away with paying incorrect wages, knowing that a kid can be easily confused and not confident about asserting their rights.

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