The Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138)

The Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) is an international agreement set by the International Labour Organization to establish a standard minimum age for employment. Its goal is to protect children's health, development, and education by preventing them from working in jobs that are harmful or interfere with their schooling. Generally, it recommends setting the minimum age at 15 or higher, depending on a country's development level, with exceptions for light work or training for younger adolescents. The convention encourages member countries to enact laws that promote safe, fair, and appropriate employment practices for young people.