What are the factors leading to child labor - Thesis Example

.States Parties recognize the right of the child to be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the childs education, or to be harmful to the childs health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development (Child labor, 2013)." Economic activity conducted by an individual less than 15 years of age, constitutes child labor. This definition of child labor has been provided by the ILO. Some examples of child labor that can be regarded as beneficial are; moderate work after school or engagement in legitimate apprenticeship.

Instances of these being contributing to the family business or working on a farm that belongs to the family. Instances of child labor that have a damaging effect are those that prevent proper attendance at school, and which prove to be hazardous to the mental and physical health of the child (United Nations, n.d.). A definition provided by the ILO, regarding child labor, is that it is work that renders children bereft of their childhood, dignity, potential, and which harms their physical and mental development.

In addition, the ILO describes child labor as work that is mentally, morally, physically, or socially harmful and dangerous to children. Another major disadvantage with child labor is that it adversely affects the schooling of children (Nam, 2013, p. 524). This transpires due to children engaged in child labor being deprived of the opportunity to attend school, causing them to leave school prematurely, or compelling them to endeavor to combine attendance at school with unduly time-consuming and heavy work.

In addition, the Convention on the Rights of the Child describes a child as individuals whose age is less than 18 years. As such, children can take part in labor. Moreover, every form or work done by children, does not constitute child labor. Work can exercise a beneficial influence upon children, as