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In the early 1900s, journalism, the muckrakers, became highly influential, raising awareness about many social ills, including child labor, unsafe working conditions and unsanitary food processing.

As states consider loosening laws that regulate child labor, Lewis W. Hine’s early 20th century photographs, which helped child labor laws get passed, are worth our attention once again.

Red states are responding to employer complaints about a tight labor market by loosening their child labor laws, exposing youngsters to hazardous work and longer hours.

His book “The Bitter Cry of the Children” fiercely condemned child labor practices, arguing in part that interrupting school with work caused lifelong impairment.

A private, nonprofit National Child Labor Committee formed to lobby state and federal officials, while embarking on public education.