What Is Child Labor and How Can We Fight It?

Child labor is a serious violation of human rights. It deprives children of their childhood, health, and dignity. Understanding what is child labor and how it presents itself is the first step in addressing the issue and securing a better future. 

At its core, child labor is any work that harms a child’s development, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally, and often stops them from going to school. It’s work that’s dangerous, exploitative and doesn’t let them be a kid —learning, playing, and growing.

How to Spot Child Labor

Even though you know what is child labor, it’s not always easy to identify it. Many confuse it with small tasks around the house or helping out for pocket money, but there’s a clear difference. Add to that the fact that it tends to take place behind closed doors, making identification of child labor all the more difficult. But then there are a few telling signs to watch out for:

Physical and Emotional Signs: Children in child labor conditions may appear malnourished, tired, or hurt. They may be operating hazardous tools or working with poisonous chemicals. On an emotional level, they may appear withdrawn, nervous, or even scared.

Lack of Education: Another large clue is if the child is not going to school or has been expelled. If they are unable to read or perform simple math, it’s usually an indication that they have been pushed into work rather than into school.

Improper Working Conditions: Children may be employed in jobs no child should be performing—such as mining, operating heavy equipment, or in domestic servitude, where they are isolated and at risk of abuse.

Economic Exploitation: If a child is either not paid at all or is getting very little money, and especially if their earnings are taken by an adult, it’s a red flag. The child’s labor is often critical for their family’s survival, which means poverty is usually a driving force behind the situation.

What Can You Do About It?

We can’t fight child labor alone, but there are specific actions we can all take—individually, locally, and globally.

Support Organizations Engaged in the Work: There are various non-profits working for the eradication of child labor, including CRY America (Child Rights and You). They resettle children from labor, provide them with education, and work for changes in the systems that perpetuate child exploitation.

Make Ethical Consumer Choices: Each buying decision can help perpetuate or disrupt the system. Support brands that are honest about their supply chains and adhere to ethical standards.

Become an Advocate for Change: Eradicating child labor is equal to eradicating poverty and illiteracy. Vote and elect politicians and policy who work to end these causes—such as working for free quality education to all children and reinforcing laws regarding child labor.

Raise Awareness: Sometimes, the biggest obstacle to abolishing child labor is just letting people know how big a problem it is. So, talk about it with your friends, family, or even on the internet.

The Bigger Picture

Child labor is not just an individual problem; it’s a global issue deeply entwined with poverty and lack of education. But there is hope. With each step we make toward eliminating the causes, we bring about the possibility of a world where children are not being forced into dangerous work. Whatever it is—through donations to organizations, responsible consumption through buying, or legislation advocating for stricter laws—we each have a role to play.

Through raising awareness and urging action, we can help create a world where every child has a healthy, secure, and full childhood.