Child Labour
ACROSS THE WORLD, CHILD LABOUR IS A MAJOR FACTOR PREVENTING CHILDREN FROM GOING TO SCHOOL. POVERTY FORCES MANY CHILDREN INTO WORK, BUT NOT HAVING THE RIGHT EDUCATION WILL FURTHER PROPEL THE POVERTY CYCLE.
What is Child Labour?
Child labour refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives children of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful.
Why do children work?
Education
In many parts of the world, basic education is not available for all children, especially in remote rural areas. When the quality of education is poor, parents might not see the point in sending their child to school, instead sending them to work is preferred.
Culture
Parents may share the same view on culture in which labour is seen as more valuable and productive. In many cultures, children are often expected to pursue their parents’ trade or take over a small household business, so that training from a young age seems useful. Another cultural belief which exists in many cultures is that instead of girls getting and education, they should be taking up work.
Market Demand
Employers may prefer to hire children because they can be paid lower wages than adults. An important factor to consider is that the economy is growing, especially in developing countries, meaning it is increasingly more useful for employers to recruit children.
In many parts of the world, basic education is not available for all children, especially in remote rural areas. When the quality of education is poor, parents might not see the point in sending their child to school, instead sending them to work is preferred.
Culture
Parents may share the same view on culture in which labour is seen as more valuable and productive. In many cultures, children are often expected to pursue their parents’ trade or take over a small household business, so that training from a young age seems useful. Another cultural belief which exists in many cultures is that instead of girls getting and education, they should be taking up work.
Market Demand
Employers may prefer to hire children because they can be paid lower wages than adults. An important factor to consider is that the economy is growing, especially in developing countries, meaning it is increasingly more useful for employers to recruit children.