Oscar De La Huerte answered
I think you'd probably struggle to find anyone who has something good to say about child labor, as most developed countries have laws to prevent the employment of children.
In countries where child labour is still rife, the effects on future generations can be devastating.
Why is child labour used?
Historically, child labour has been used in every part of the world at one point or another (think 1800s British factory and workhouse children). However, in today's society, it is widely acknowledged that the advantages that come with child labour will always be outweighed by the negative effects of depriving children of their childhood.
To fully understand the negative side of child labour, I feel it's important to examine why people employ children in the first place:
Now that we understand the benefits an employer stands to gain from putting children to work, we can better understand the perils children might face:
In social terms, it is likely to result in a generation of uneducated and unbalanced adults with a low life expectancy. Even in strictly economic terms, having a population like that is likely to have more of a negative impact than can be offset against the marginal benefits of employing children in the first place.
Some facts about child labour
Whilst reading up on child labour, I came across some truly shocking facts. For instance, did you know that millions of children around the world are still being put to work?
This is the breakdown of the global child workforce:
For further information, I'd suggest you check out the website of the charity goodweave.com
In countries where child labour is still rife, the effects on future generations can be devastating.
Why is child labour used?
Historically, child labour has been used in every part of the world at one point or another (think 1800s British factory and workhouse children). However, in today's society, it is widely acknowledged that the advantages that come with child labour will always be outweighed by the negative effects of depriving children of their childhood.
To fully understand the negative side of child labour, I feel it's important to examine why people employ children in the first place:
- Children cost significantly less to employ (some will even work for nothing)
- They are less likely to speak up against unfair, unhealthy or even hazardous working conditions
- Children are able to use their small stature to their advantage in areas like mining
- They are easily manipulated and taken advantage of
Now that we understand the benefits an employer stands to gain from putting children to work, we can better understand the perils children might face:
- Exposure to unhealthy or hazardous conditions
- Being forced to work long hours for very little money
- Being coerced into doing tasks that adult employees would normally refuse to do
In social terms, it is likely to result in a generation of uneducated and unbalanced adults with a low life expectancy. Even in strictly economic terms, having a population like that is likely to have more of a negative impact than can be offset against the marginal benefits of employing children in the first place.
Some facts about child labour
Whilst reading up on child labour, I came across some truly shocking facts. For instance, did you know that millions of children around the world are still being put to work?
This is the breakdown of the global child workforce:
- Latin America/Caribbean: 17 million
- Africa: 80 million
- Asia: 153 million
- Ocenia 0.5 million
- Dangerous work in the mining industry
- Toiling in farms and agricultural environments
- Spending hours in uncomfortable positions whilst weaving rugs and carpets
- Scavenging through tips and rubbish dumps
- Working in chains or other restraints
- Working in sexually abusive environments or pushed into the commercial sex trade.
For further information, I'd suggest you check out the website of the charity goodweave.com
