Lesson 26: Child Labor, The Progressive Era & Additional Context (Working Papers)
About This Lesson: This lesson explains the historical origins and modern purpose of working papers in New York State by connecting them to the broader issue of child labor during the Industrial Revolution. It highlights how widespread child labor once was, with millions of children working in dangerous conditions, and how reform efforts—especially the influential photography of Lewis Hine—helped raise public awareness and led to legal protections for minors. The lesson then transitions to present-day regulations, outlining the requirements for employment certificates for 14–17-year-olds, including different types of working papers, restrictions based on age, and necessary documentation such as physical exams and proof of age. Overall, it emphasizes that current labor laws exist to protect young workers’ safety, health, and education.
Lesson Plan & Other Important Documents
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Prompt:
“Should there be age restrictions on work? Why or why not?”
Students write a short response (3–5 sentences), then share with a partner.
“Should there be age restrictions on work? Why or why not?”
Students write a short response (3–5 sentences), then share with a partner.
Directions: Watch the video below and listen very carefully. Please note that you will need to also check the article (linked to below the video) and the link directly below this to answer some of the questions on the quiz. As always, you can preview the quiz questions below and be sure to take the actual quiz on Schoology.
Summary Of Video: “Working Papers and Child Labor History”
This video explains why young people aged 14–17 in New York State need working papers and connects this law to the history of child labor reform in America.
Historical Context
In the early 1900s, child labor was widespread. Millions of children under 16 worked long hours in factories, mines, and fields for little pay. Photographer Lewis W. Hine, hired by the National Child Labor Committee, exposed these harsh conditions through thousands of photographs. His work helped fuel the Progressive Era, a reform movement that pushed for safer workplaces, education, and protective labor laws. President Theodore Roosevelt and other progressives supported these reforms, which eventually led to modern child labor protections—like requiring youth work permits today.
The Role of Photography and Media
Hine’s images were published in magazines and newspapers, allowing the public to see the problem. This awareness inspired social action and political reform. The video compares early 1900s photojournalism to how social media “going viral” spreads awareness today.
Modern Working Papers
In New York State, minors aged 14–17 must have working papers (employment certificates) to legally work. These are divided into age-based color codes:
There are exceptions for younger teens: children under 14 may work as newspaper carriers or berry pickers (ages 12–13) with parental permission.
How to Get Working Papers
To apply, students must:
This video explains why young people aged 14–17 in New York State need working papers and connects this law to the history of child labor reform in America.
Historical Context
In the early 1900s, child labor was widespread. Millions of children under 16 worked long hours in factories, mines, and fields for little pay. Photographer Lewis W. Hine, hired by the National Child Labor Committee, exposed these harsh conditions through thousands of photographs. His work helped fuel the Progressive Era, a reform movement that pushed for safer workplaces, education, and protective labor laws. President Theodore Roosevelt and other progressives supported these reforms, which eventually led to modern child labor protections—like requiring youth work permits today.
The Role of Photography and Media
Hine’s images were published in magazines and newspapers, allowing the public to see the problem. This awareness inspired social action and political reform. The video compares early 1900s photojournalism to how social media “going viral” spreads awareness today.
Modern Working Papers
In New York State, minors aged 14–17 must have working papers (employment certificates) to legally work. These are divided into age-based color codes:
- Blue papers: Ages 14–15 – may not work in factories or other hazardous jobs.
- Green papers: Ages 16–17 – may work in factories and more advanced roles but still have hour limits.
- Salmon papers: For 16–17-year-olds who have left school and can work full-time.
There are exceptions for younger teens: children under 14 may work as newspaper carriers or berry pickers (ages 12–13) with parental permission.
How to Get Working Papers
To apply, students must:
- Have a physical exam within the past 12 months (sports physicals count).
- Provide proof of age (birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, or state ID).
- Bring these documents to their school guidance office to obtain the papers (Note: Hempstead students specifically go to Ms. Byrd-Watkins)
Higher Level Question:
Explain how child labor during the Industrial Revolution led to the creation of modern working paper laws. In your answer, describe at least two historical conditions and explain how they influenced current requirements for minors to work in New York State.