Child labour is defined as any work performed by a child that is mentally, physically, socially, or morally harmful, interferes with their ability to attend school, or is exploitative. It violates children's rights and has detrimental effects on their health, development, and education. International conventions and national laws aim to prevent and eliminate child labour worldwide. 

What is child labour?

Exploitation: Child labour involves the exploitation of children for work.

Harmful to development: It interferes with a child's ability to attend school and can be harmful to their mental, physical, social, and moral development.

Non-hazardous work: Children are allowed to help their families in non-hazardous occupations, but only if it doesn't interfere with their schooling or well-being. 

Why is child labour a problem?

Impact on education: Children engaged in labour often miss out on school, limiting their future opportunities and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Physical and mental health risks: Many forms of child labour expose children to dangerous conditions, hazardous materials, and long hours, leading to injury and health problems.

Violation of rights: Child labour deprives children of their fundamental rights to education, play, and protection.

How is it addressed?

International laws and conventions: Organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) work to eliminate child labour through conventions that set international standards for protecting children.

National laws: Many countries have laws to prohibit child labour, with varying age restrictions, such as a minimum age of 14 in India for employment in hazardous industries. 

Awareness and intervention: Efforts focus on raising public awareness, promoting children's rights, and implementing programs to remove children from exploitative labour and provide them with support and education.