Most people have heard the term-child labour, and they have more than likely read numerous child labour articles on the subject. However, many people do not fully understand the definition of child labour, as the definition can be vague from one country to the next. While the age of adulthood can be 18 in one country, it may be 16 in another; and while one country may view some jobs as exploitation of children, another country may not.
Child Labour Articles
However, a common definition, that many organizations all over the world do agree upon, is that child labour exists when a person or business employs a child who is younger than the age set by their country of origin, and the employment harms the child in some way. Child labour articles state that this harm can be in various forms such as lack of proper education, risk of physical harm, risk of psychological harm or risk of immorality. Even with the various child labour laws of various countries around the world, it is unfortunate that, many people and countries ignore these laws and force children into harsh work conditions.
When most people think of child labour, they often think about children working long hours in harsh conditions in such places as factories, sweatshops, mines or streets as prostitutes. This is because, most child labour articles in newspapers or magazines focus on these such industries. However, there are many other industries, that employ children, that people often overlook. Some of these industries include farming and domestic servants. Since many families often depend upon their children to help support their households, this only adds to the problem. Statistics show that millions of children are forced into child labour every year all over the globe.
In looking for the causes of child labour, many child labour articles say that the primary causes are social inequality and poverty. Today’s economic crisis has only made the problem worse. In many countries, gender plays a large role in child labour, as well. Many countries believe that only boys need to attend school, while girls must work to help support the family. Some people also think that governments have failed to abolish child labour effectively by failing to punish those who employ underage children. Many businesses justify child labour by stating that children are better able to do some work in various industries than adults are, and children do not mind working so long as they are paid.
Child Labour Articles – The Conclusion
In conclusion, most people have heard about child labour, but many people do not know the exact definition of the term. While some countries have set the age of adulthood at 18, many others have set the age at 16. This fact, in itself, causes much confusion as to what may be considered child labour. However, the most agreed-upon definition is when underage children are at risk of harm through various forms of employment. Most child labour articles focus on children working long hours in harsh conditions within such places as factories, mines, sweatshops or on the streets. However, there are many other industries that children are forced to work within as stated above.
