Is this too young?

Opinions are mixed on Saskatchewan's new rules governing minimum age workers.
Introduced this week, the rules relate to teenagers 14 to 16 years of age, placing 16 years as the general minimum age and 14 years as the absolute minimum age.
These young-age teens will be allowed to earn wages in various jobs, but there will be restrictions - on hours worked and time of work, parental permission must be obtained, and a certificate showing knowledge of employment standards and occupational health and safety will be required.
The provincial government feels these rules will allow younger teens an opportunity to gain work experience and earn some money, but not at the detriment of their education and social lives.
Various employer sectors agree because this age group provides a large resource pool of workers to fill jobs in the service industry.
One of the dissenting voices is the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour which notes the minimum age at 14-15 is in direct opposition to the United Nations guidelines of 16 as the minimum age in developed countries.
The SFL is also concerned about the possible exploitation of these teenagers, and about their safety on the job, despite the requirement of a heath and safety certificate.
Certainly the teenagers will be happy to find work that will give them some spending money, even an amount limited by a 16-hour work week. In some cases this money will help supplement a family's income.
Watchdogs of the workforce, including politicians and private agencies, as well as parents and teachers, will need to monitor the rules and should be ready to step in if either side of the coin is having trouble with enforcement or compliance.