Legal News

26-Sep-2022

How Child Labor And Human Rights Violation Lead To Cruelty

Many developing countries struggle with economic instability, hunger, and a lack of educational opportunities. Many of these countries have a high percentage of youth. In many cases, half of the country’s population is under the age of 25. These young people are often unable to find meaningful employment. They may be filling menial roles or trying to start their businesses but not finding success because of a lack of resources. As these young people grow older, they often become frustrated with their inability to improve their economic situation. They may be surrounded by poverty and hunger and unable to help their families. Discontent often results in conflict and violence.

In these nations, child labor is common and expected as a rite of passage. Armed with the best intentions, many Americans believe child labor is a problem exclusive to third-world countries. After all, children in America go to school and are protected by laws like the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which sets age restrictions on when and how minors can work. However, recent statistics suggest these ideas are far from the truth; child labor remains prevalent in the US. In this blog post we explore why child labor is so widespread in the US; how it affects children at an individual level; what you can do to help; and where you can find more information about ending it for good.

What is Child Labor?

Child labor is defined as the employment of children under the age of 18 in work that may be harmful to their health and/or development. These regulations are in place to protect the economic and social future of children and improve living conditions for their families. Children who work during adolescence may have a more difficult time adjusting to adult roles in society and may be at an increased risk of dropping out of school and becoming chronically unemployed. Child labor laws exist to protect minors from exploitation and ensure that they receive an education. Child labor laws are determined by each country’s government, and the minimum age for employment may vary from 12 to 18 years old. This can include work that is dangerous, long hours and involves carrying heavy loads or toxic substances. The child’s family may need income, and so they put their children to work, or the children may be forced to work by a third party. In some cases, children may be trafficked and forced to work under horrific conditions.

How Common is Child Labor in the US?

According to the latest data, there are an estimated 3.2 million children under the age of 18 who are working in the US. That’s a lot, right? Child labor is especially prevalent in agriculture and service-related industries, where the FLSA doesn’t apply. In agriculture, children as young as 12 years old can be hired under certain circumstances. In service-related industries like restaurants, hotels, and domestic work, child labor laws are often ignored. The State Department estimates that there are as many as 5,000 child sex workers in the US.

Why is Child Labor so Prevalent in the US?

Child labor exists in every society, but some factors make it more likely in the US. Children in the United States may be more likely to work than children in other countries because the US does not have a minimum age for employment, lack of quality public education, and high levels of poverty. The US Department of Labor has identified these factors as indicators of child labor. A significant number of children may be working in these industries. The list does not include every possible risk factor. First, the US has a large income and wealth gap, leaving many families in poverty. In the 2018 Global Wealth Report, it was found that nearly half of Americans have less than $1000 in savings. This leaves families in poverty struggling to make ends meet and accepting whatever work they can to feed their children. Another factor is the youth culture in the US, which includes sports and extracurricular activities that can be expensive. In many cases, parents can cover the cost, but there are also situations where the cost outweighs the benefits. You can also add the ease of finding work online, which allows employers to exploit children in ways they never could before.

How Does Child Labor Impact Children?

Child labor robs children of time they could spend on education, which is the key to escaping poverty. Working in dangerous or toxic conditions can also rob children of their health. Endemic to many developing countries, child labor is a pressing issue with humanitarian and economic implications. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), it is estimated that there are 168 million child laborers globally. An estimated 85% of child laborers work in agriculture, often in hazardous conditions. They are exposed to pesticides, work long hours in extreme heat, lift heavy loads, work with sharp tools, and are often not given adequate nutrition. Many children are forced to work instead of going to school. It’s estimated that $43 billion in child labor income goes back into the pockets of parents and guardians. It also exposes children to dangerous work conditions and health hazards. Children who work are more likely to suffer from mental health issues and substance abuse and commit crimes as adults. In addition to the individual effects, child labor also impacts the economy as a whole. Studies have shown that child labor costs the US $31 billion in lost productivity, which is money that could be spent on improving society.

Rights Violations Associated with Child Labor

Child labor is a violation of human rights as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 32 of this convention states that every child has the right to education, and article 33 stipulates that children should be protected from work that interferes with their well-being. Children have the right to play and be cared for. We must care for them and offer them the best possible start in life. But in the US, children are not being offered the best start in life. They are being forced to work and make money to support their families. Child labor also puts children at great risk of health and safety hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, extreme temperatures, and injuries from heavy lifting and long hours. It’s estimated that every year, at least 1,100 children under the age of 18 die from work-related injuries.

Conclusion

Child labor is a problem that impacts children around the world. In the US, where many believe children are happy and healthy, the problem is just as prevalent. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, approximately 3.2 million US children between the ages of 5 and 17 are engaged in some form of employment. Children who work are exposed to a variety of hazards and risk factors, including long hours of work, heavy lifting, dangerous equipment, and long commutes. Child labor also limits the development of children, as it deprives them of important social and educational activities such as participating in sports, theater, or other extracurricular activities. To combat child labor in the US, we must first understand its root causes. Child labor is often a result of extreme poverty and a lack of educational opportunities. The best way to combat these issues is to make sure that children are receiving a quality education and can dream about a better future.