Child Labor Laws
Child workers rose dramatically and reformers worked to protect workers and end child labor. Children were hired because they could perform unskilled jobs for lower wages and were more adept at using small tools and small parts. Children were considered part of the family economy, and often had to work to support the family. They were more prone to accidents and this lead to health problems and stunted growth. Conditions were very unsafe for children, especially in industrial factory settings. In 1904, the National Child Labor Committee sent out people to collect information about child labor. Groups eventually pressured politicians to pass the Keating- Owen Act in 1916. This act banned child labor and set maximum hours.