Since the labor shortage, particularly in restaurants and grocery stores, more and more people are starting to work at a very young age. We are even talking about an 11-year-old.

Compared to other Canadian provinces, Quebec has no age to start working. For example, in France they can start working around the age of 16.

They have good side to start working young. For example, it can help young people to understand the concept of money. They are hired at minimum wage with tasks that are not always very pleasant to do. They will see the efforts they have to make to earn money.

« We are in a culture that values individual autonomy and autonomy through work. Whether we are a child of the rich or the poor, we will have to go to work, because we share these values, because we want to participate in the consumer society and show that it is not our parents who provide for Our needs. »

Said, Charles Fleury, sociologist and professor at Laval University

Moreover, this autonomy can have adverse effects on the schooling of young people. Experts want to make changes to better support young people to avoid dropping out of school. Work can make teens addicted to money. This will allow them to obtain things like clothes, which without work they could not buy.

As parents, it is still important to look at the expenses that our child makes every week and to suggest a way to manage his money well. For example, 75% of the money earned in a savings account for his studies and 25% to buy goods.

Working 8-14 hours a week can put young people at various risks of anxiety, depression and psychological distress due to fatigue caused by the overdose of activity that keeps them busy throughout the week.

« We are in a system designed for adults and the child has specific needs: the specific development of the child must be protected. What will be in his interest? In the current context, will the economic imperative not take over child protection? […] Children cannot be left responsible for their own well-being. […] They can’t stand up to their employers. The younger you are, the harder it is. »

Said, Sarah Denenne, lawyer specializing in children’s rights