Child labour is work that harms children’s well-being or interferes with their education. Some tasks are safe for a child’s age. They should not disrupt learning or development. The International Labour Organization explains the distinction, including the risks of hazardous work.
Why it matters
Poverty and weak protections can put children at risk. So can a lack of school access. Removing a child from harmful work is not enough if their family still lacks income or they cannot attend school. Lasting responses need education, decent work for adults and support shaped around children’s needs.
Take action
Learn how goods used by your school are produced and what evidence supports a supplier’s claims. GoodWeave is one organization working against child labour in supply chains. Explore child and youth rights. Support work that gives children and families a voice in what happens.
If we can't begin to agree on fundamentals, such as the elimination of the most abusive forms of child labor, then we really are not ready to march forward into the future.