Child labor in Kentucky is not a thing of the past. Ensure safe workplaces for children

As a teenager, I almost lost my fingers. Our children deserve better than this labor law.

But it's not just the Department of Labor's job. Everyone who plays a role in a young worker's life can help keep children out of harm's way. By educating and making children aware of federal child labor laws against dangerous jobs and excessive hours, we can ensure that teens' first jobs are good, safe jobs. Positive, age-appropriate work experiences can allow young people to develop skills and learn what it means to be part of the workforce. These are the kinds of good jobs that can put young workers on the path to good careers.

To be clear, age-appropriate and safe work experiences provide teens with valuable learning opportunities and a chance to earn money. But these benefits must never come at the expense of a young person's education or well-being. We call on parents, educators and others who care about our communities and the future of Kentucky's youngest workers to work together to keep teen workers safe. We will not allow our economy to be built on the backs of children. Kentucky is better than that.

Agree or disagree? Let us know.

Karen M. Garnett-Civils is the district manager of the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor in Louisville, Kentucky.