Does Judaism allow child labor?

There is nothing in Jewish tradition which promotes or provides guidelines for child labor. In fact, the Pirkei Avot (Chapters of the Fathers) does not count anyone under twenty years of age as part of the eligible work force, and the Talmud teaches that young people should be in school until they are ready to work. 

While no religion actively promotes child labor, many children around the world are part of the workforce. Even Jewish children may work, either by their own decision, coercion, or force. In 1949, Israel passed a Compulsory Education Law that dictates all Israeli children must attend school until the age of sixteen, and that it is illegal to employ someone under sixteen on a school day. This is consistent with the Talmudic ethic of ensuring children and young people have access to schooling, while also addressing the social and economic issue of child labor.