Student handout · Discussion & Debate
Can 14-year-olds work part-time? A discussion lesson your middle schoolers will have opinions about
Should 14-year-olds be allowed to work part-time?
In January 2024, South Korea lowered the minimum working age from 15 to 14. Now, 14-year-olds can work part-time if their parents agree.
PROS (reasons to allow it)
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Independence | Teenagers learn to manage money, time, and responsibility early. |
| Experience | Part-time work teaches skills school does not: customer service, teamwork, punctuality. |
| Family support | Some families need the extra income. A student's wages can help. |
| Choice | If a 14-year-old wants to work and the parents agree, why should the law say no? |
CONS (reasons to ban or limit it)
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| School suffers | Working after school means less time for homework, sleep, and grades. |
| Exploitation risk | Employers may pay 14-year-olds less or give them unsafe tasks because they are young. |
| Childhood lost | Fourteen is still childhood. Work can wait until 16 or 18. |
| Pressure | Teens may feel forced to work even if they do not want to, to help their family or fit in. |
Discussion questions
- Should 14-year-olds be allowed to work part-time in Korea?
- What kinds of jobs should be banned for 14-year-olds?
- How many hours per week is too many for a teenager?
Useful phrases:
- I think... because...
- One advantage / disadvantage is...
- For example, ...
- On the other hand, ...
- I agree / disagree because...