Child Labor: An Unrecognized Global Issue

Abstract
There is much knowledge that needs to be gained globally about child labor. Society needs to find ways to increase awareness in this matter. History has shown that child labor was almost necessary for the survival of families through hard economic times. The concept of children rights brought major change to the outlook of child labor. Children have the same large scale rights as adults do. Conventions have been established in place to protect the right of children here in the United States. Although our government has many laws in reference to child labor other nations do not recognize it as problematic and so it continues. In other countries children are being exploited by employers. These children are stripped of their right to have an education, a prosperous childhood, and of other rights. It can affect a child’s health and development. The objective of the following research paper is to raise awareness of the worldwide child labor issue and summarizes what is being done to help battle the issue.

Introduction: Any issue that involves the abuse of young children is a sensitive matter. Images exist of children enduring maltreatment and abuse in different work settings. Child labor has been a long existing nationwide issue and although it is seen as a form of child abuse by many there are those that see it as a norm. Cultures in foreign nations believe that by placing a child in money paying work conditions positively helps the child build experience and responsibility. In the year 2004, worldwide over 215 million children, under the age of fifteen were considered to be employed. Statistics are vague because of how varied the meaning and views towards child labor are globally. Children are at times forced into labor due to poverty issues or because criminals know they can take advantage of