Empowering Teens

In the ongoing battle for suburban voters, particularly moms, the Democratic party seems to be resorting to desperate measures. One such tactic involves peddling the unfounded claim that Republicans are ushering in a return of child labor. This baseless assertion has been echoed incessantly by Democrats and their media allies, reaching a crescendo in Florida, where I reside.

Recently, Republican State Representative Linda Chaney proposed a bill that would grant more working opportunities to teenagers in Florida. The legislation aims to remove the restriction on 16 and 17-year-olds, allowing them to work more than 30 hours a week during the school year. Additionally, they would have the chance to earn overtime on Sundays and school holidays, which is currently prohibited. Importantly, this change doesn't undermine federal child labor laws that prioritize education for young people while offering them opportunities to learn through work experiences.

One would expect this reform to be met with thoughtful consideration and healthy debate. However, it has instead triggered a wave of manufactured outrage. A Democratic state legislator went as far as to label the proposal "un-American" and suggested that Republicans want to replace the shrinking immigrant workforce with American children toiling in fields. Simultaneously, the media has unleashed a barrage of one-sided articles, many of which accuse Republicans of trying to "weaken child labor laws."

This narrative of Republicans undermining child labor laws has been a persistent theme in the Democratic playbook, especially since the spring, when several other states introduced similar reforms. For instance, Iowa passed a law similar to Florida's bill, while states like Arkansas repealed onerous "youth permit" regulations that interfered with families' decisions on their children's work. Families already allow their teenagers to participate in sports, which can entail early mornings, late nights, and weekends. So why can't they let their kids earn money by busing tables or delivering groceries during these times?

Surprisingly, the reaction to these common-sense reforms suggests a political motivation. Op-eds in leading publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post paint horrifying scenarios of child exploitation, while MSNBC dedicates segments to the "Make Child Labor Great Again" campaign. These media campaigns feature Democratic officials at their most impassioned, complete with images of malnourished children from bygone eras, misleadingly implying that 8-year-olds will be working hazardous jobs.

The underlying message is clear: suburban moms should vote for Democrats to protect their children from Republican cruelty. However, the same politicians and pundits who push this narrative conveniently overlook that Democrats advocate for teens to change their sexual identity and access abortions without parental consent.

Some of these articles call out the Foundation for Government Accountability, which I lead. We support these state-level reforms because we believe that parents should have the authority to decide what's best for their children. Moreover, the evidence backs us up: teens who work tend to earn more in their twenties, engage in fewer criminal activities, and are less likely to use drugs. Research even indicates that working teenagers perform better in school and are more likely to graduate. It's a matter of common sense: work teaches essential life skills that young people need. However, this common-sense view now earns us the label of "child labor advocates."

My own family exemplifies why these laws are praiseworthy. My eldest son, recently turned 17, waits tables at a local restaurant, seeking to increase his income. My 16-year-old daughter has embarked on her own entrepreneurial journey, starting a line of lip gloss. She wants to dedicate time to her small business, even on a Sunday evening. I take pride in their efforts to balance work and school, maintaining good grades.

My family's experience is not unique. Parents are more discerning and capable than Democrats and the media give them credit for. They can determine when their children are working too much or too little. Moreover, they are well-aware of the profound emotional, social, and financial benefits that come with teenage employment. If Democrats genuinely aim to connect with suburban voters, they should stop underestimating the intelligence of parents and, instead, empower teenagers to succeed.