Many Americans prefer employing U.S. teens over migrant workers and child labor build responsibility and work ethic
SEATTLE, April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A new survey from ResumeTemplates.com of 2,000 U.S. adults reveals public backing for easing child labor laws to combat staffing shortages and high prices.
37% Would Relax Child‑Labor Protections
More than one‑third of Americans support loosening at least some restrictions:
- 22% would remove limits on the hours minors may work
- 20% would lower the minimum working age
- 8% would even allow minors in hazardous roles such as construction or factory work
"The Fair Labor Standards Act lets children as young as 12 work, but with safeguards to prevent exploitation and injury," explains Julia Toothcare, Chief Career Strategist at ResumeTemplates. "Rolling those protections back risks exposing kids to dangerous conditions and unfair pay."
Majority Prefer Hiring Teens Over Migrant Workers
Asked whether companies should hire American youth (within existing child‑labor laws) rather than migrant workers to fill job gaps, 51% agreed, 28% disagreed, and 20% were neutral.
Supporters most often cited benefits to U.S. teens (63%), an "America‑first" philosophy (54%), and reduced reliance on foreign labor (42%).
Nearly Half Say Teen Labor Could Offset Tariff‑Related Price Increases
If tariffs raise costs, 47% would back employing legally eligible minors to help keep prices down; 30% would oppose.
Many Believe Younger Teens Need Not Earn Minimum Wage
Thirty percent of Americans say workers under sixteen don't need to be paid minimum wage, and another eight percent reserve minimum‑wage pay only for seventeen‑year‑olds. Four percent think no one under eighteen ever needs to earn it.
"Paying teens less simply because of their age undercuts the purpose of wage laws," Toothcare notes. "Fair compensation should apply to every worker."
Wide Agreement on the Benefits of Teen Jobs
Nearly eight in ten adults believe work builds a sense of responsibility, and over three‑quarters say it develops practical skills. Two‑thirds point to greater independence and stronger work ethic. Just four percent see no real benefit to teen employment.
Methodology
This survey was commissioned by ResumeTemplates and conducted in April 2025. The survey included a nationally representative sample of 2,000 U.S. residents.
The full report can be found here: https://www.resumetemplates.com/4-in-10-americans-support-loosening-child-labor-restrictions-to-address-rising-costs-and-labor-shortages/
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Media Contact
Abigail Davis, ResumeTemplates.com, 8007197459, [email protected]
SOURCE ResumeTemplates.com
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