The people who stand to benefit most are teenagers themselves, who by having a job can learn to show up on time, follow instructions, work collaboratively, and manage money that they earned themselves and therefore value more.
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Bingo. The kind of dirty, dangerous, health-impairing jobs that rightly resulted in child labor laws no longer exist. A lot of kids would get structure and discipline in their lives that they might be missing at home or in school. That would make them better adults, which would be good for them and society.
I started applying for jobs when I was 13. I was turned down by McDonalds (who probably guessed I wasn’t 14 1/2 which was the legal minimum age at that time) and got a much inferior job instead.
Yes, and it would give them a sense of self respect and worth. Being given participation trophies and being told they’re special does nothing for them. Learning some work skills and earning a paycheck has significant value for the kids.