Remember, kids! The only thing between you, a stolen childhood, and the soul crushing work as a breaker boy is the government! Corporations only care about one thing, and it's not YOU!
Lewis Hine was employed by the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC) in the early 1900s to photograph children working in various industries across the United States, including mines, factories, and mills. His goal was to expose the harsh realities of child labor and advocate for its abolition.
There are no mends on his outfit, only holes. His parents (assuming mother) either didn't have time or resources to mend his clothes. Or he didn't have parents.