Children Working in Factories and Child Labor Laws — Reading Comprehension

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many children in the United States worked in factories. Some were as young as eight years old. They worked long hours and did not go to school. Most children worked to help their families earn money.

Factory jobs were hard and often dangerous. Children worked with heavy machines and hot ovens. They breathed dirty air and carried heavy loads. Some children got hurt or became sick. Factory owners liked hiring children because they could pay them less money than adults.

People began to notice how children were being treated. A man named Lewis Hine took many photos of working children to show others how hard their lives were. Reformers like Florence Kelley worked to change the laws. They spoke out against child labor and said, "Children should be in school, not in factories."

As more people learned about child labor, they wanted things to change. In 1938, the United States passed the Fair Labor Standards Act. This law set rules to protect children. It made it illegal for young children to work in dangerous jobs or for too many hours. Now, most children can go to school instead of working in factories.

Child labor laws helped keep children safe and gave them a chance for a better life. These changes happened because brave people stood up for what was right and worked together to solve a problem.

Interesting Fact: Lewis Hine took more than 5,000 photos of working children to help change the laws.

Who took photos of child workers?

What year was the child labor law passed?

Why did children work in factories?

What did Florence Kelley do?

What was one effect of the new laws?

Why did factory owners hire children?

Child labor laws protect children. True or false?

What does 'illegal' mean?