The long-term effects of child labour on mental and physical health

Child labour is a critical issue that hinders the physical, cognitive, and the overall well-being of children. Involved in hazardous occupations at a young age, these children face significant risks of losing their lives or limbs. The 2017 Global Report by the International Labour Organization revealed that 1 in 10 children worldwide are engaged in child labour, with half of them involved in hazardous work that causes long-term health issues and inevitable unbearable stress. The effects of child labour are immediate on physical health, but it also causes significant damage to children’s mental health due to the nature of the work and the constant exploitation they endure.

In today’s article, let’s delve into understanding the long-term consequences of child labour on a child’s physical and mental health.

What is child labour

Child labour refers to children aged 5-14 who are engaged in work that harms their physical, mental, or emotional well-being. It robs them of their childhood, dignity, and education. This includes work that is dangerous, interferes with schooling, and forces them to discontinue education, leaving a lasting impact on their development.

Relation between child labour and physical health

Children engaged in child labour are more likely to face poor health outcomes later in life. The effects of hazardous work can lead to severe and lasting health issues that may only manifest in adulthood. The key effects of child labour on physical health are as follows:

• Chronic back and joint pain: Children in brick kilns, agriculture, and as domestic workers often experience chronic back pain and joint issues due to heavy lifting, repetitive motions, and prolonged labour.
• Respiratory problems: Continuous exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals in mines, textile factories, and brick kilns leads to severe respiratory illnesses like asthma, silicosis, and chronic bronchitis.
• Skin disorders: Handling toxic substances in tanneries, chemical factories, and agriculture causes skin conditions, burns, and chronic allergies.
• Cancer risk: Prolonged exposure to carcinogens in chemical factories, agriculture, and mining significantly increases the risk of developing cancers, such as lung or skin cancer.
• Infertility and reproductive health issues: Exposure to pesticides in agriculture and toxic chemicals in factories can lead to infertility and long-term reproductive health complications.
• Impaired growth and malnutrition: Poor nutrition and extreme working conditions in construction sites and agriculture result in stunted growth and weakened immunity.
• Eye strain and vision problems: Fine-detail work in embroidery, jewellery making, and electronics causes eye strain, leading to long-term vision impairment.
• Permanent disabilities: Hazardous work environments, such as factories and mines, frequently cause severe accidents leading to amputations, fractures, or lifelong disabilities.

Relation between child labour and mental health

Child labourers are at risk of developing poor mental health, and once rescued, they need immediate mental health support to mitigate the long-term effects. The key effects of child labour on mental health are as follows:

• Anxiety and depression: Children working in agriculture, factories, and domestic work often experience high levels of anxiety and depression due to long hours, stress, and exploitation.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Exposure to physical abuse, harsh working conditions, and dangerous environments in mines, construction sites, and textile factories can lead to PTSD, causing long-term emotional trauma.
• Low self-esteem: Constant exploitation and denial of childhood in embroidery, brick kilns, and agriculture contribute to feelings of worthlessness and a lack of confidence.
• Impaired cognitive development: Children forced to skip education to work in factories, domestic labour, or agriculture suffer from cognitive delays, leading to poor academic performance and limited intellectual growth.
• Social isolation: Child labourers often miss social interactions and childhood experiences, leading to social isolation and difficulty forming relationships later in life, especially in mines, agriculture, and domestic work.
• Substance abuse: Children exposed to constant stress, trauma, and exploitation in construction, factories, and agriculture may turn to substances like alcohol or drugs to cope with mental health struggles.

CRY UK's role in fostering a healthy life for rescued child labourers

CRY UK plays a vital role in helping rescued child labourers rebuild their lives through targeted interventions and support. The key initiatives are:

• Identifying child labourers: Rescuing child labourers through targeted interventions and by establishing children and adolescent collectives, ensuring immediate relief and protection.
• Linking with government programs: Connecting rescued children with government programs for scholarships and educational resources, while linking parents to employment opportunities like MNREGA to ensure a stable family income and reduce child labour.
• Integrating children into mainstream education: Convincing children through counseling sessions to resume their education and reintegrate into mainstream schooling, empowering them with the opportunity for a better future.
• Organising life skill sessions: Conducting life skill sessions to help children focus, concentrate, and process past traumas, guiding them towards emotional recovery and resilience.
• Bridging the educational gap: Conducting support classes to address the educational gaps caused by years of missed schooling, ensuring children can catch up with their peers.
• Sports coaching: Teaching children vital life skills through sports, such as resilience, patience, discipline, and perseverance, helping them reconnect with the joys of childhood and rebuild their confidence.

CRY UK shaping futures of next generation

Discover the inspiring journey of a brave girl from Jharkhand who, with the support of CRY UK, was able to stop her child marriage and pursue her education, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.

Read full story:

Mehrunissa’s journey from chores to classrooms

Conclusion

India has made considerable progress in addressing the health and mental consequences of child labour. While significant progress has been made, the journey to completely eradicate child labour is far from being over. With continued efforts and support from organisations like CRY UK, we can create a future where every child is free from exploitation and able to thrive.

Your donation to CRY UK combats child labour and builds a brighter future for these children. Contribute today!