The Need to Raise Awareness About Child Labour

Sugar, carpets, and shoes are some of the products often overlooked. It is proven that human beings are working vigorously in a hazardous environment to produce these products. What makes this unethical is that kids are working in these dangerous settings. This is called child labour and it is inimical to children all around the world. Child labour produces a negative effect on the development and growth of the child. It specifically inflicts physical and psychological harm onto children as well as strip them of their education. Child labour has become the norm in some societies. However, this is unacceptable and there has to be an end to this issue or else more children are going to suffer.

Most of the families living in developing countries are seldom financially stable. This is how child labour exists. Families send their children to work in these harmful and abusive environments just to earn extra money to support themselves. According to an organization, We Charity, it states that in developing countries, statistics show one in four children are child laborers and are working jobs that pose a risk to their health (“Child Labor”). This supports the idea that in developing countries child labour occurs more often than developed countries. Furthermore, the World Health Organization states that the youth are often careless and want to prove that they are capable of handling tools and machines. However, they are amateurs in dealing with hazards, and hence pose more risks (“Hazardous Child Labour” WHO). These children are young, they are prone to injuries, they are not trained on proper safety with tools and machines, and they lack education. Moreover, many youngsters ages 10 to 16 are employed in the agricultural sector that requires lifting heavy materials (“Working to Learn; Child Labour”). Which can cause many injuries including cuts, burns, fractures, tiredness, and dizziness. These injuries have a negative impact on the growth of the child. In an article regarding child labour, children shared stories of psychological and physical abuse. A child stated that bathroom breaks and sick days are prohibited and are punished if they made mistakes (“Why Child Labour Is Still in Effect Around the Globe”). These minors are physically neglected as well as physically abused for failing to make a product; this damages the integrity and dignity of the minor. Moreover, the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that every year, 22,000 children are killed from accidents involving child labour (“Hazardous Child Labour” ILO).

The abuse is inimical to the growth of the child. This is morally wrong and yet, why do we do it? Similarly, children constantly face mental and emotional abuse while working. Psychological abuse can lead to many problems that occur when children are growing up. They are still developing mentally and emotionally. They are still discovering what their morals and values are. When they are being abused, kids often have a misconception of their self-identity that consequently lead them to immoral behaviour (“Emotional, Psychological, and Mental Abuse: Is There a Difference?”). Child labour is associated with psychological abuse since these children are berated for mistakes. ILO states that youngsters typically receive emotional neglect like deprivation of family love, which end in loneliness and despair (“Causes and Consequences of Child Labour). There are several effects to the child from this neglect. This abuse leads the child to believe they are at fault and that they deserve it. Although some short term effects may be confusion, fear, hopelessness, and shame. These effects may develop into long term effects such as anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia.

There are several studies that display that severe emotional abuse can be compared to the effects of physical abuse. Over time, both can contribute to low self-esteem and depression (Ann Pietrangelo). Furthermore, ILO reports that sexual abuse takes place more often in the workplace since minors are more vulnerable to sexual exploitation (“Causes and Consequences of Child Labour”). This sexual abuse is linked to emotional abuse which can lead to a lifetime of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental illness that affects people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. PTSD produces a negative effect on the growth of the child. However, they must keep working to attempt to escape the grasp of poverty. Consequently, these kids are stripped of their education. Poverty-stricken families who have no means of feeding or giving education or healthcare to their children are forced to send them to work.

Fortunately, the only way to break the cycle of poverty is with education. Education is as vital as water. Around 15 million kids are working rather than attending school. There is evidence that is available that suggests that there is a 17 percent achievement gap that child laborers suffer compared to other children in formal education (Gordon Brown 5). Many of the children that are low achievers tend to drop out of school and are extremely vulnerable to child labour. Kids are stripped of their childhood and education and it is reprehensible. Additionally, the United Nations (UN) stated that Brazil has focused its attention on eradicating child labour by making education a key element and it is showing positive results (Gordon Brown 5). This is evidence that education can prevent child labour. If more countries focus on making education their number one priority, more children are safe from child labour.

Moreover, there are actions being taken such as setting up non-formal education and training. This form of education is to help kids transition from the workplace to formal education (“Non-Formal Education and Training”). This is an attempt to eliminate child labour and it is working effectively. It is teaching children basic education and most importantly, the rights they deserve. Many organizations are supporting non-formal education to eradicate child labour.

According to United Nations, June 12 has been designated as 'World Day Against Child Labor” to raise awareness on the challenge of providing education to children in need. However, there is still more to be done to prevent child labour from harming the youth further. All things considered, there is strong evidence that supports the fact that children should not be physically and psychologically abused. Kids all around the world should have access to education and not trapped in a cage. Subsequently, child labour cannot be solved in one day. However, if enough awareness is raised to this issue we are able to induce aid to children living in developing countries and take a step in the correct direction.