Because we shouldn't be dependent on child labor, especially when they should be expected to do schoolwork. We can make children feel good about a paycheck by paying them to go to school if we'd like.

I can't verify they feel good about getting a paycheck. I have generally been happy to have a bit of money, but I've never cared that it came from a paycheck and realistically, despised that I had to work while going to school (mine was later, in college). I'd have went without if it were a reasonable option.

You seem very comfortable with the idea of imposing what works for you, your preferences, on others. You might want to think about that some more

You might want to rethink yours. You are arguing for child labor with emotional manipulation (Some 14 year olds - children - will be sad to lose a job)

I realize that folks are different. However, In a lot of places and situations, child labor is illegal - and 14 is considered child labor in so many situations. When they do work, it comes with massive restrictions. This is soley because we, as a society, generally feel that the focus should be on school instead of work. If we cannot pay young folks on par with adults, we shouldn't hire them.

As a sidenote: I'm guessing that the real reason the school hired them is because they are cheap labor - soft exploitation - and so long as their rate is less than paying a member of the custodial staff (who would have to pick up the slack), they won't be out of a job.

You seem to put a lot of weight behind this term, Child Labor. I understand that in the past and in some places still today children were/are essentially treated as slaves, and that’s possibly what you are thinking when you write Child Labor. I agree 100% that that is evil.

I assure you that these teenagers are not being mistreated, and there are adults doing this same job with them. Our society has come a long way. No teen spends 100% of their time on school work. Like anyone, they have a price they are willing to trade their time and labor for. Why should they, or anyone not be allowed to make that trade?

And yes, it is an emotional argument. We are emotional beings. Doing a useful job and being rewarded for it satisfies those emotions immensely.

In addition to that, it teaches things in ways that a classroom simply cannot. In a very real way it is paying them to get some education, as you suggested.