Child labor simply means involvement of a child in any kind of work that hampers children physically and mentally. According to International Labor Organization (ILO), “work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development.” is known as child labor.” A large number of children are compelled to do hazardous and non-hazardous activities in their childhood.
Childhood is considered as the best part of life to enjoy, but many children do not get it. The average age of a child to be appropriate for work is above 15 years old. Children falling below this age are not allowed to be involved in any physical works or labor. “Worldwide 152 million children are victims of child labor. Seventy-three millions of these work in hazardous conditions. Almost half of the 152 million victims are aged 5-11 years.”
The main reason for child labor is poverty and lack of education. In poor families, children are considered to be an extra earning hand. These families believe that every child is a bread-earner and so they produce more children. As these children grow up, they are expected to share their parents’ responsibilities. Illiteracy is an important factor that contributes to this problem.
Government can play a vital role in controlling child labor. Government can promote child rights, and rights related to minor children. Also, government can even educate poor families about the effect of child labor. As students, we can generate awareness against child labor so that children can enjoy their child rights.
To sum up, government and people should come together to aware people about child rights and avoid child labor. Employment opportunities should be given to poor families to avoid sending their children to labor.
Name: Satkrit Upadhyay (Class: 9)