Does prohibiting child labor increase secondary school enrolment? Insights from a new global dataset

ObjectiveThis article examines the association between minimum age of employment and secondary school enrolment.MethodsWe reviewed child labor laws for 185 states in 2008 and 2012. We assessed how many countries had a minimum age of employment of 15 or over and tested the association between these laws and secondary enrolment rates, after controlling for per-capita GDP, level of urbanization, and compulsory lower secondary education.ResultsA minimum age of employment of 15 or higher was significantly associated with increased secondary enrolment for girls, boys, and overall.ConclusionsCombining a legislated minimum age of employment of 15 or higher with compulsory education may strengthen children's opportunity to achieve a secondary education.

► We reviewed child labor laws for 185 countries in 2008 and 2012.
► 45 countries allow children to work before the ILO-recommended age of 15.
► Countries banning work until 15 have an 8 percentage point higher net secondary enrolment.
► Findings hold for girls (9.5 percentage points) and boys (7.8 percentage points).
► The impact is independent of per-capita GDP, urbanization and compulsory education.