Child labor laws are regulations that determine the minimum age at which children can work and the conditions under which they can work. These laws aim to protect children from exploitation, hazardous working conditions, and other forms of abuse.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) defines child labor as any work that deprives children of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, or is mentally, physically, socially, or morally harmful. The ILO sets the minimum age for work at 15 years of age, and 14 years for certain types of work under specified conditions.

Many countries have their own child labor laws, which may be more stringent than the ILO's standards. In the United States, for example, child labor laws are regulated at both the federal and state levels, and set age restrictions and working hour limitations for minors.

The main goal of child labor laws is to protect children from exploitation and ensure that they have access to education and other opportunities that will help them develop into healthy, productive adults. However, the effectiveness of these laws can be limited by a variety of factors, such as poverty, lack of enforcement, and cultural attitudes towards child labor.

Overall, child labor laws are an important tool for protecting children and promoting their well-being. However, it is essential to ensure that these laws are enforced and that efforts are made to address the underlying causes of child labor, such as poverty and lack of educational opportunities.