Understanding the different types of child labour and their impact

Every child has the right to a safe, secure childhood with access to education. Unfortunately, child labour robs millions of children of these fundamental rights, denying them education, health, and a carefree childhood. Forced to work to support their families, these children often endure significant physical, emotional, and social harm, perpetuating cycles of poverty and exploitation. According to UNICEF’s Global Child Labour Statistics 2024 report, nearly 1 in 10 children globally are engaged in child labour, with many trapped in hazardous conditions due to trafficking.

Let's delve into the different types of child labour, and their profound impact on children and community.

What is child labour?

Child labour is work that takes away a child’s childhood, potential, and dignity. It harms their physical and mental development and interferes with their education, either by forcing them to drop out, skipping school, or juggling long, heavy work hours with studies.

Different types of child labour

• Agricultural labour: The UNICEF Global Report 2024 reveals that the majority of child labour, for both boys and girls, occurs in agriculture. Being the most common type of child labour, 70% of children worldwide involved in child labour work in farming or other agricultural activities. Children working in the agricultural sector often face hazardous conditions. They are exposed to harmful chemicals, operate risky machinery, and work long hours under the sun. This type of child labour is widespread in rural areas, where families depend on farming as their primary livelihood.
• Domestic labour: International Labour Organization (ILO) Global Database 2024 highlights that 67.1% of all child domestic workers are girls working in households, performing tasks like cleaning, cooking, and caring for younger children. Often hidden within the four walls, these children are highly vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and isolation.
• Manufacturing and industries: This includes children working in factories, sweetshops, or small-scale industries like textiles, brick manufacturing, and mining. Such environments expose them to hazardous substances, heavy machinery, and physically demanding tasks that can lead to severe injuries or chronic illnesses.
• Street and service sector Children in the street and service sector often work as street vendors or in small eateries. These children are exposed to harsh conditions, long hours, and exploitation. They are also at risk of abuse and trafficking due to the unregulated nature of their work.

Impact of child labour

• Physical and cognitive health: Children working in hazardous conditions face higher risks of illness, injury, and long-term health issues that may only surface in adulthood. They are often exposed to unsafe environments, exploitations, dangerous machinery, and harmful substances, causing physical harm and emotional trauma.
• Loss of education: Many child labourers are forced to work long hours, leaving them unable to attend school or complete their education, which limits their potential and future opportunities.
• Perpetuation of poverty: Without education or skills, these children grow into adults stuck in low-paying, unstable jobs, continuing the cycle of poverty.
• Economic losses: The lack of skilled professionals due to child labour reduces a country’s economic potential and development.

CRY UKs efforts to prevent child labour

CRY UK’s child labour initiatives aim to break the cycle of exploitation by working at the grassroots level to safeguard children’s rights. Their efforts include rescuing children from labour, re-enrolling them into schools, and ensuring they have a safe, healthy, and promising future filled with opportunities. Some of the key initiatives are:

• Building child and adolescent collectives: Forming collectives for children and adolescents, encouraging them to engage with their communities and advocate against child labour
• Leveraging government programs: Connecting children with government scholarships and educational resources to support their schooling and overall development.
• Setting up educational support centers: Establishing learning centers to help former child labourers catch up on missed education and transition into mainstream schools.
• Linking parents to job opportunities: Connecting parents to employment programs like MNREGA, ensuring stable family incomes.
• Conducting awareness campaigns: Organizing community drives to promote child protection through parental counselling and targeted interventions to prevent school dropouts, and re-enroll children in education.

CRY UK’s interventions to prevent child labour

Here is how 13-year-old Babar, forced to leave school to support his family, found his way back to education with CRY UK's support.

Read full story: CRY UK Breaking The Cycle Of Child Labour

Over the past two decades, India has made significant progress in reducing child labour. Despite the challenges posed by its vast diversity and large population, various government programs and initiatives have helped children return to school. However, the fight is far from over, and breaking the cycle of poverty requires continued efforts.

With ongoing support from governments, NGOs, and compassionate individuals like you, we can liberate children from the harsh realities of child labour. Donate now and bring hope for a brighter tomorrow.