The Reality of Child Labour: How It's Destroying Children's Futures.
Child labour is an issue that is becoming more prevalent in many countries across the world, particularly in developing countries where children are often pulled out of school to work full-time jobs so their parents can provide for the family. While it can be tempting to think that child labour only affects places like Africa or Asia, this isn’t necessarily true.
One in every 10 kids worldwide is involved in child labor
One in every ten kids worldwide is involved in child labor. That's over 168 million children who are being deprived of their childhood, and their future. They're being forced to work in hazardous conditions, for long hours, and for little to no pay. And it's not just happening in developing countries – it's happening right here in the United States as well. The exploitation of minors in the US generates more than $9 billion a year from industries such as agriculture, construction, restaurants, domestic service, manufacturing and textiles. The use of child labor is not limited to any one industry; all are complicit. When we purchase products made with cotton picked by a 12-year-old girl or food prepared by a 10-year-old boy, we directly contribute to this problem. We must ask ourselves if it's really worth going without an item so that a child can grow up healthy and educated. I know I'm proud to say no - I don't want my money going towards child abuse. So what can you do? Check out the resources below for ideas on how you can make a difference!
In developing countries, millions of kids are used as slaves
In developing countries around the world, millions of children are used as slaves. They're forced to work in dangerous and often life-threatening conditions. They're paid little to nothing, and they're often treated terribly. This is child labour, and it's destroying children's futures. UNICEF estimates that 168 million kids worldwide - that's one out of every 10 - live and work under these terrible conditions. And because their families can't afford to feed them, many kids who do this kind of labour suffer from malnutrition. Their bodies don't develop properly and their minds don't develop properly either. Some statistics show that more than 100 million child labourers have stunted growth due to malnutrition or physical abuse while working.
Millions more are working long hours with no pay, poor conditions, and little education
Around the world, 168 million children are forced to work. That's one in every ten kids. And it's not just happening in developing countries, but in developed ones too. In the United States, there are an estimated 400,000 child labourers working under conditions that violate federal law. Across Europe, nearly 8% of children aged 15-17 years old are engaged in some form of economic activity – many of them below legal employment age. The number is even higher for those aged 10-14 years old - 12%.
Parents send their kids to work because they have no choice
For many parents, sending their children to work is not a choice. They may not be able to afford to send them to school or they may need the income that their children can bring in. Whatever the reason, child labour is a reality for millions of families around the world. And while it may seem like a way to earn some money and help the family survive, it often has devastating consequences on kids' futures. Here are five reasons why child labour is dangerous for kids:
1) Poverty. Kids who start working at an early age often have to drop out of school to keep working which means that they are missing out on an education and won't be able to find higher-paying jobs when they grow up because they don't have the skills necessary. If a parent sends their child to work as soon as they're old enough, then the kid will never get the chance to go to school and learn about new things which would make life more enjoyable and interesting.
There's a solution -- but we need action on all fronts
Child labour is a global problem that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity. It persists despite laws and conventions designed to protect children. The most effective way to end child labour is to ensure that all children have access to quality education, which equips them with the skills they need to find decent work when they grow up. But we also need strong enforcement of labour laws, better working conditions and more opportunities for adults so that families can earn a decent living without resorting to child labour. In many countries, including Nepal, it’s necessary to provide economic incentives for parents to keep their children in school. Families should be supported by social safety nets that guarantee food security and basic health care. And governments must offer employment opportunities in the public sector so that young people don't feel compelled to work at age 15 or 16 just because private sector jobs are not available . Investing in these programmes now will yield dividends for generations to come.
