Child labor is described by the International Labour Organization (n.d.) as work that is detrimental to children’s childhood, potential, dignity, and physical and mental development. With an estimated 160 million children worldwide, one in ten children is projected to be victims of child labor as of 2020. (United Nations Children’s Fund, n.d.). These statistics represent the harsh reality for significant  amount of struggling children thrust into the workforce industry at an early age and unfairly subjected to grievous human rights violations, especially those in the inhumane business of slavery, child trafficking, forced recruitment into armed conflict, prostitution, pornography, drugs, debt bondage, and other hazardous work (Reid, 2024). The number of children involved in work like this—compromising their health, safety, and moral development—increased by millions, setting back global anti-child labor progress for the first time in two decades (United Nations Children’s Fund & International Labour Office, 2021). How and why it got to this point is a question pondered by many. 

 

North America and Europe are the wealthiest continents in the world right now in measure of their economies (IMF, 2024). However, studies show that these two continents may have sparked child labor into a serious matter in the preceding history (Ortiz-Ospina & Roser, 2016). As industrialization peaked in the West during the 19th century, this increased the demand for child labor. Families from the rural area were allured into the urban areas because of factory work, from which children had no escape—they were much preferable to the employers since they were manageable, cheaper, and less likely to organize a strike against their exploitative working conditions (Virginia Commonwealth University, n.d.). These children did not choose to trade their leisure for work, as they were commissioned by law officials and directed by their parents (Humphries, 2009). Children were exploited in that they worked for lengthy periods of time, received little pay in hazardous areas, and were not given their rights to be children and get an education (Museum of Tolerance, n.d.).

 

However, the trajectory of child labor began to change as the 20th century approached. One of the primary proponents of this change was the National Child Labor Committee, which was organized in 1904 in the United States. It demanded laws against the exploitation of children in the workforce, to which Lewis Hine was its greatest publicist. He took images of child labor across the southern and eastern states and later exposed the disturbing realities of the condition of the children. These efforts came to fruition when then-President Woodrow Wilson signed the Keating-Owen Act, prohibiting child labor from commercialization (Virginia Commonwealth University, n.d.). It was a domino effect as laws across the globe were consequently enacted not only regulating the working conditions for children but also mandating education (World Vision Organization, 2022).

 

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The rapid pace in the technological progression of the 21st century was conjectured to bring convenience to humanity and curtail issues as obsolete as child labor. As machines gradually replace human resources in the workforce, this might tremendously lessen the case of child labor. This has not been the case, however, as significant statistics showed that child labor is still as prevalent as it was, even intensified. As of 2021, a total of 160 million children globally indulge in labor, most of these in hazardous areas. Per the UNICEF report (2024), Africa ranks as the continent that accounts for most child laborers. Although monetary poverty is commonly assumed to be the primary cause of child labor, given that the African continent is poverty-stricken, the study of Krauss (2016) suggested that this may not be totally linear. Child labor on the African continent seems precipitated by complex, varying factors, which Krauss (2016) listed: the structure of the economy, social norms, and no returns to rural basic education. 

 

The surging cases of child labor in recent times, despite the declining percentage of poverty, raise curiosity about what the pre-existing conditions are and why they still persist. Many studies have pointed out poverty as the major cause of child labor; while it may be statistically proven, a matter of subjective belief prompts children to work. In particular, there has fairly been a glorification of children in the workforce. In the study of Radfar et al. (2018), while poverty is the major cause of child labor, some cultural beliefs rationalize the practice in order for a child to build the necessary character and skills that will be needed in his later life. To some cultures, this may be exemplary in that children are following in the footsteps of their parents. What can be induced is that the ends justify the means. What can only be drawn is the multifacetedness and complexity of child labor; as such, the world remains at a far distance from eliminating the issue.

 

Despite the widespread practice and justification of child labor, action is being taken by multiple advocacy groups all over the globe. UNICEF, in particular, has set forward many anti-child labor programs across various countries, including but not limited to establishing the Casas de la Alegría initiative for the protection of Costa Rican children in coffee and sugar farms and taking a multifaceted approach to address child labor and strengthen legal frameworks in Vietnam (United Nations Children’s Fund, n.d.). Two of the International Labour Organization’s conventions on child labor were widely ratified, obligating their member states to join the anti-child labor movement and setting off a global chain reaction where a significant number of countries put forth restrictive legislations and/or prohibitions on child employment after the conventions were ratified (International Labour Organization, n.d.). The International Labour Organization (n.d.) also marked June 12 as the World Day Against Child Labor to promote their advocacy and cause. Organizations like the Global March Against Child Labor, Love 146, Stop Child Labor Coalition, and many more (Hasanagic, n.d.) are also dedicating their efforts to dismantle the child labor system in their own way. 

 

But the fight extends past these organizations. The initiative to help starts with awareness of the injustices that need to be addressed and advocated for, and in this digital age where information can travel fast and wide in a matter of clicks, advocating through available social media platforms to join the movement against child labor will help immeasurably. There is also the option of monetary donations to existing anti-child labor organizations, allowing them to expand their operations and help more kids. Spreading the recruitment posts and initiatives of these organizations may also help.

 

The existence of child labor is a systemic problem that will not be easily uprooted, but nothing is resistant to change. Even the smallest gesture of kindness may save a child from the quagmire. Following the examples of those who set the paths to eradicating child labor before us will be a long and grueling process, but it is the inherent duty of humans to care and protect children who do not have the power to fend for themselves.