Overlooking Child Labour Essay Example

injuries not only have immediate consequences but also hinder the child's overall development.

According to an article, child labour results in physical and psychological abuse. A child revealed that they are not allowed bathroom breaks or sick days and are punished for any errors. If they do not meet production expectations, this mistreatment escalates to neglect and physical abuse, causing significant harm to their well-being and self-respect. Shockingly, the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that around 22,000 children die each year due to accidents related to child labour. These abusive practices hinder the growth of these children and go against moral values, leading us to question why it continues. Additionally, working children also endure ongoing mental and emotional abuse.

Psychological abuse can result in various difficulties for children as they go through their crucial developmental years. This includes both intellectual and emotional growth, as well as the exploration of personal values and beliefs. The abuse experienced can cause children to develop a distorted sense of self-identity, potentially pushing them towards engaging in unethical behaviors ("Emotional, Psychological, and Mental Abuse: Is There a Difference?").

Child labor is linked to psychological abuse as these children are criticized for errors. The International Labor Organization (ILO) states that children often endure emotional neglect, such as being deprived of family affection, which ultimately results in feelings of loneliness and hopelessness ("Causes and Consequences of Child Labor"). The neglect has various consequences on the child, causing them to internalize blame and feel deserving of the abuse.

Ann Pietrangelo suggests that severe emotional abuse can have both immediate and long-lasting effects on individuals. Initially, victims may experience confusion, fear, hopelessness, and shame. These initial reactions can

eventually result in long-term consequences such as anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. Numerous studies have highlighted the comparable impact of emotional abuse to physical abuse. Ultimately, both forms of abuse can lead to a decline in self-esteem and the development of depression.

According to the ILO, minors who are at risk of sexual exploitation experience a higher prevalence of sexual abuse in the workplace. This form of abuse is connected to emotional abuse and can lead to lifelong PTSD. PTSD, a mental illness, significantly hinders a child's development as it arises from experiencing or witnessing traumatic events.

Despite the urgent need to escape poverty, children in impoverished families are being deprived of an education. These families lack the resources to provide food, education, or healthcare for their children and thus feel compelled to send them to work. However, education is essential for breaking free from this cycle of poverty and holds equal importance as water.

Around 15 million children are involved in labor instead of going to school, causing a 17 percent achievement gap between child laborers and their peers in formal education (Gordon Brown 5). The large number of underperforming students who quit school puts them at risk of being exploited through child labor, which is morally unacceptable. Brazil's dedication to eradicating child labor by giving priority to education is acknowledged by the United Nations (UN) and this approach is showing positive results (Gordon Brown 5). Consequently, education plays a crucial role in stopping child labor.

By prioritizing education, more countries can protect children from engaging in child labor. Efforts such as implementing non-formal education and training programs aim to facilitate the transition of children from working environments

to formal education ("Non-Formal Education and Training"). This approach is successfully combatting child labor by providing children with fundamental education and essential awareness about their rights.

Various organizations support non-formal education to eradicate child labor. The United Nations has designated June 12 as the 'World Day Against Child Labor,' with the goal of increasing awareness about the challenges involved in providing education for underprivileged children. However, additional measures are needed to safeguard young individuals from the adverse effects of child labor. There is substantial evidence demonstrating the physical and psychological harm inflicted upon children through abuse. It is imperative that educational opportunities be available to all children globally, ensuring they are not subjected to a life of enslavement.

Although immediate resolution of child labour may not be feasible, creating awareness about this problem can help provide assistance to children in developing nations and steer progress in the right direction.