Child labour refers to work that deprives children of their childhood and is harmful to their development. It can take many forms, including hazardous work, work that interferes with education, and exploitative work like forced labour. Common causes of child labour are poverty, lack of access to education, cultural acceptance of child work, demand for cheap labour, weak enforcement of child labour laws, and situations of conflict or displacement. The effects of child labour include health and safety problems, lack of education, negative impacts on mental health and social development, exploitation, perpetuation of the cycle of poverty, and long-term consequences for individuals and societies.
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Child labour refers to the employment of children in any
form of work that deprives them of their childhood, their
potential, and their dignity, and that is harmful to their
physical and mental development. Child labour can take
many forms, including work that is hazardous or harmful to
the child's health, work that interferes with the child's
education, and work that is exploitative, such as forced or
bonded labour, trafficking, and slavery.
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Poverty: Children from poor families may be forced to work in
order to contribute to the household income and survive.
Lack of education: Children who do not attend school or drop out
of school are more likely to become child labourers, as they have
limited opportunities for alternative livelihoods.
Cultural attitudes: In some cultures, it is seen as normal for
children to work, and children may be expected to contribute to the
family's income or to learn a trade from a young age.
Demand for cheap labour: In some industries, such as textiles,
agriculture, and mining, there is a demand for cheap labour, and
children may be employed because they can be paid less than
adults.
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Lack of enforcement of child labour laws: In some countries,
laws that prohibit child labour may exist, but they are not
enforced, and employers may exploit children because they know
they will not face consequences.
Conflict and displacement: In situations of conflict and
displacement, children may be separated from their families, and
they may be forced to work in order to survive.
Trafficking: Children may be trafficked for forced labour,
including domestic work, agriculture, mining, and prostitution.
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Health problems: Children who work in hazardous
environments may be exposed to toxins, dangerous
machinery, and other health hazards, which can lead to
injuries, illnesses, and disabilities.
Education: Children who work are often unable to attend
school or may drop out of school, which can limit their future
opportunities for employment and economic mobility.
Mental health: Child labour can have negative effects on
children's mental health, including depression, anxiety, and
low self-esteem.
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Social development: Children who work may miss out on
opportunities to socialize with their peers and develop important
social skills.
Exploitation: Children who are forced to work in exploitative
conditions, such as forced or bonded labour, may suffer from
physical and emotional abuse and may be at risk of trafficking
and other forms of exploitation.
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Poverty: Child labour can perpetuate the cycle of poverty, as
children who are forced to work instead of attending school may
be less likely to secure well-paying jobs in the future.
Long-term consequences: The effects of child labour can have
long-term consequences for individuals and communities,
including lower economic growth and higher levels of
inequality.