Victorian London saw widespread child labor under dangerous conditions. Children as young as 5 worked long hours in textile mills, mines, gas works, and other industries, often dying before age 25 due to the harsh conditions. Poor children with no families roamed the streets, stealing or begging to survive. It took time for the government to pass laws protecting working children, as many felt it was acceptable for children to work to support themselves or their families. Reformers like Lord Shaftesbury worked to convince the public that child labor was harmful to children's health, development, and education. Child labor remains an issue in some parts of the world today.