This report examines the issue of child labor and makes recommendations for changes in New York's child labor laws. It reviews the relationship of child labor to education, the relationship of child labor to social development, child labor and workplace safety, and the role of young workers in the economy. It concludes that simply relaxing child labor laws, as some states have done, to meet the needs of employers for entry-level, part-time workers in a tight job market ignores the fact that the best place children can develop those skills is in school. The report recommends placing the highest priority on protecting children and ensuring that their work experiences enhance rather than detract from their educational experience. Guaranteeing children an education will result in a labor force of workers with the flexibility to keep up with changes in technology. At the same time, the report recommends making some changes in allowable working hours for child workers and making laws more flexible to benefit both young workers and employers. (KC)