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Full Project – Impact Of Child Work On Physical And Mental Development Of Children

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background Of the Study

Child work is a worldwide problem that has negative effects on kids’ health and education. One of the most important problems in the world is frequently overlooked and undervalued. The International Labor Organization of the United Nations defines child labor as any form of employment that causes a kid to lose out on his or her youth, potential, and dignity. Industries such as mining, agriculture, textile production, and manufacturing all feature child laborers.

Children’s physical and mental health are negatively impacted by the indoctrination of child labor in various sectors, according to studies. The purpose of this study is to present a synopsis of the effects of child labor on children’s physical and mental health and the processes underlying these effects.

Effects on Physical Health The physical health of children is severely compromised by child labor. Long hours of work can cause weariness and exhaustion in children who perform labor-intensive tasks. Injuries including cuts, burns, and fractures are common in this line of employment (Pachauri, 2014). Children working in agriculture are at a heightened risk of contracting respiratory infections, skin problems, and other ailments due to their exposure to toxic pesticides. One study indicated that daily pesticide exposure led to children’s impaired neurocognitive function (La Malfa et al., 2019), only one of the many ways in which children’s health can be harmed by exposure to aggressive chemicals like insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Furthermore, children who work in mines or quarries are subjected to potentially fatal levels of dust, fumes, and toxic minerals like lead. Psychological effects The emotional health of children is also severely impacted by child labor, both in the short and long terms. Long hours and demanding work conditions can cause stress and anxiety, which in turn can disrupt children’s sleep and eating habits, resulting in poor nutrition and delayed development (Larson, 2018).

Anxiety, despair, and stress were shown to be more prevalent among children who worked in India’s silk industry than among their nonworking counterparts (Mohammed & Bhat, 2018). In addition, children who are forced to work miss out on important opportunities for growth and development, such as school and socialization. Many of these youngsters develop low self-esteem, feelings of isolation, and trouble making friends as a result.

Causes of the effect Child labor’s effects on kids’ bodies and minds are complicated and nuanced. In times of economic hardship, families often have to resort to employing their children in order to make ends meet. Children from low-income families are disproportionately exposed to the risks and negative outcomes of child labor (Rothstein, 2018).

In addition to contributing to the cycle of poverty and a host of health problems, employing children has negative effects on their access to education and the development of their abilities. The psychological and physiological effects of child labor are complicated by a wide range of social factors.

Communities that condone child labor, for instance, are more likely to continue the practice. Many initiatives have been launched by governments and non-profits to combat the use of children in labor. The International Labor Organization has set a target date of 2025 to end all forms of child labor through the promotion of decent employment and the expansion of educational and training possibilities. Policies and initiatives to end child labor and advance children’s rights have been advocated all over the world.

More work is required, however, to guarantee that these policies actually work and have a major impact. Communities that rely on child labor should be given more resources for education and employment. Conclusion The effects of child labor on kids’ bodies and minds are devastating. The impacts are multifaceted and far-reaching, including health problems that can last a lifetime and passing on the cycle of poverty from one generation to the next.

A comprehensive strategy is needed to end child labor, one that prioritizes providing all children with access to quality education and gainful work. It is the shared responsibility of governments, non-governmental organizations, and communities to end the use of children in labor and advance children’s rights worldwide. Together, we can make the world a better place for children so that they may play, learn, and develop in a way that is good for their long-term physical and mental health.

1.2. Statement Of The Problem

The impacts of child work on children’s health and education are far-reaching and devastating. Child labor is defined by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as activities that diminish children’s potential and dignity while also endangering their bodily and mental health. International Labour Organization (2020) estimates that 152 million children throughout the globe are working. Most of these youngsters are employed in agriculture, mining, and household labor. Negative impacts on children’s physical and mental well-being are a direct result of the denial of their access to an education that results from child labor.

Child labor has been demonstrated to negatively impact kids’ physical growth and development. Child labor is linked to a variety of negative outcomes, including but not limited to physical harm, disease, and malnutrition. Cuts, burns, amputations, and fatal accidents have all been linked to working in dangerous and taxing occupations (Diallo et al., 2019). Long-term chemical exposure and dangerous working circumstances place children in impoverished nations at increased risk for respiratory and lung ailments, hearing loss, and musculoskeletal issues (Zafeirakou et al., 2021). Some child laborers, due to poor working circumstances and lack of resources, are unable to acquire proper nourishment, which might hinder their development and stunt their growth (Baker et al., 2020).

Children’s cognitive growth is also negatively affected by child labor. Child laborers are vulnerable to psychological harm because of the horrific events they witness on the job. Anxiety, despair, and post-traumatic stress have all been linked to child labor (Lamichhane et al., 2020), according to a number of research. Low self-esteem, anxiety, and sadness are all long-term psychological repercussions of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, all of which are common among youth who labor in household settings (Nuwagaba et al., 2021). In sum, the issue of child labor has serious repercussions for kids’ physical and emotional health. It violates their basic human rights and puts them in potentially harmful working circumstances that might have an impact on their bodily and emotional health. Communities, organizations, and governments must work together to solve the problem of child labor since it has a negative impact on the economy. Laws, regulations, and programs to safeguard children’s rights and ensure they have access to quality healthcare, education, and social services must be developed and implemented in a concerted effort to address this problem.

1.3. Research Objectives

The aim of the study is to examine the impact of Child Work on Physical and Mental Development of Children. The specific objectives are:

To review factors motivating child labour.
To examine the relationship between family background and child labour.
To examine the effect of child work on the physical and mental development of children.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

What are the factors motivating child work?
To what extent does family background necessitate early child work?
What is the effect of child work on the physical and mental development of children?

1.5. Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: Child work has no significant impact on the physical and mental development of children

Ho: Child work has significant impact on the physical and mental development of children.

1.6. Significance of the Study

The significance of studying the impact of child work on the physical and mental development of children is multi-faceted and profound. Child labor, a global issue, has been linked to various negative outcomes in children’s development. Understanding these impacts can help policymakers, educators, and health professionals develop strategies to mitigate these effects and improve the lives of millions of children worldwide.

Physically, child labor can have severe consequences. Children engaged in labor often work in hazardous conditions, which can lead to injuries, chronic health issues, and in extreme cases, even death. They are also more likely to suffer from malnutrition due to inadequate access to food, which can stunt their growth and development. Understanding these physical impacts can help in the development of policies and interventions aimed at improving the health and safety conditions of working children.

Mentally, child labor can also have detrimental effects. Children who work often miss out on educational opportunities, which can limit their cognitive development and future earning potential. They may also experience high levels of stress and trauma, which can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Studying these impacts can provide valuable insights into the mental health needs of working children and inform the development of mental health services and educational programs tailored to this population.

The significance of this study also extends to the broader society. Child labor not only affects the individual child but also has implications for social and economic development. Children who are forced to work instead of attending school are less likely to develop the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the economy as adults. This can perpetuate cycles of poverty and hinder economic growth.

Furthermore, understanding the impact of child labor on children’s physical and mental development can inform international human rights efforts. Child labor is a violation of children’s rights, and understanding its impacts can strengthen arguments for its eradication and provide evidence to support the enforcement of child labor laws and regulations.

The significance of studying the impact of child work on the physical and mental development of children is immense. It can inform a wide range of policies and interventions aimed at improving the lives of working children, contribute to economic and social development, and strengthen human rights efforts. This study can provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted impacts of child labor, paving the way for a world where all children have the opportunity to grow and develop in a safe and supportive environment.

1.7. Scope of the Study

The study examines the impact of Child Work on Physical and Mental Development of Children. The study is limited to Selected Primary School in Ikorodu, Lagos.

1.8. Operational Definition of Terms

Impact: In the context of this study, impact refers to the effect or influence that child work has on the physical and mental development of children. It can be positive or negative, and can vary in magnitude.
Child Work: This term refers to the involvement of children in activities that require physical or mental effort. It can range from household chores to labor-intensive tasks in a work setting. Child work, especially when it is excessive or inappropriate for the child’s age, can interfere with their education and development.
Physical Development: This is the process by which a child’s body grows and matures. It includes aspects such as growth in height and weight, development of motor skills, and changes in body composition. Physical development is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, including nutrition, physical activity, and health status.
Mental Development: Mental or cognitive development refers to the process by which a child’s mind develops, enabling them to learn, think, reason, communicate, and understand. It encompasses aspects such as language development, problem-solving ability, memory, and social-emotional understanding. Like physical development, mental development is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Children: In the context of this study, children are individuals who are in the developmental stage of life, typically defined as being under the age of 18. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines a child as “every human being below the age of eighteen years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier.”

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