Overview

Who is a child? What is child labor? Causes of child labor. How many are there? Child labor in statistics. Child labor in India. Regulation and prohibition act. Conclusion.

Who is a child?

A child is not necessarily delineated by a fixed age. According to the scientists, it is impossible to determine the abilities and maturities of children by his/her calender age.

What is child labor?

Child labour is generally speaking, work for children that harms them or exploits them in someway (physically, mentally, morally or by blocking access to education). It is the work that exceeds a minimum number of hours depending on the age of a child and on the type of work.

Causes of child labor

Overexploitation of population. Decrease of resources. Decrease in literacy. Increase of poverty. Increase of unemployment. Lack of schooling and daily care. Limited choices for women.

How many are there?

61% in Asia, 32% in Africa, and 7% in Latin America, 1% in US, Canada, Europe and other wealthy nations. In Asia, 22% of the workforce is children. In Latin America, 17% of the workforce is children. 246 million child workers aged 5 and 17 were involved in child labor. Out of which 171 million were involved in work that by its nature is hazardous.

According to certain experts approximately 10 million bonded children labourers are working as dome In South Asia. Beyond this there are almost 55 million bonded child labourers hired across various other industries. Less than 5% of child laborers make products for export to other countries.

Child labor statistics

One in every six children aged 5 to 17 worldwide is exploited by child labor. There are approximately 9 million children involved in the unconditional worst forms of child labor. In Sub-Saharan Africa around one in three children are engaged in child labor, representing 69 million children. In South Asia, another 44 million are engaged in child labor.

Child labor in India

INDIA accounts for the second highest number where child labor in the world. Africa accounts for the highest number of children employed and exploited. According to certain experts approximately 10 million bonded children laborers are working as domestic servants in India. Beyond this there are almost 55 million bonded child laborers hired across various other industries.

Regulation and prohibition act

This was declared by the parliament on 23rd December, 1986.
It includes Prohibition of employment of children in certain occupations and processes.

No child shall be employed or permitted to work in any of the occupations which are hazardous by its nature.

Conclusion
The social malady of child labor can be brought under control, if each individual takes responsibility of reporting about anyone employing a child below the age of 14years. Thus, instead of ignoring on should find out about reporting child labor and how such children can actually be saved. Child labor can be controlled if the government functions effectively with the support of the public.