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If Johnny can't work, can Johnny read better?: child labor laws, labor supply and schooling outcomes

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  • Lee, Chanyoung
  • Orazem, Peter F.

Abstract

The two most common state child labor restrictions are work permit requirements for teenagers and school dropout ages that are more stringent than federal requirements. If these laws are effectively targeted and enforced, children living in states legislating more stringent child labor laws should be less likely to work, should work fewer hours if they do work, and they should have better average schooling outcomes. Data show that stricter state laws do not lower significantly the likelihood that 14-15 year old youths work or the likelihood their hours exceed federal guidelines. Child labor laws do have small positive effects on academic outcomes. State work permit requirements modestly increase the likelihood of college entry while more stringent truancy laws increase marginally high school academic performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee, Chanyoung & Orazem, Peter F., 2008. "If Johnny can't work, can Johnny read better?: child labor laws, labor supply and schooling outcomes," ISU General Staff Papers 200806180700001169, Iowa State University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:isu:genstf:200806180700001169
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    1. John H. Tyler, 2003. "Using State Child Labor Laws to Identify the Effect of School-Year Work on High School Achievement," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 21(2), pages 353-380, April.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J40 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - General

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