Child labor is an issue that started in 1212 but still exists today. In 1700, children were recruited and trained for military purposes and this still exists in 46 countries. There’s a need to address this issue because supporters of this issue perhaps think it’s okay to have children go through various conditions disregarding the consequences they would have to face that supporters aren’t planning on taking responsibility for. Child labor and soldiers should be illegal, although nations supporting these conditions say it’s benefitting both themselves and the children, because children are being manipulated, forced to do dangerous works and are becoming psychologically damaged, leading to other consequences as well.

According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, they say those who favor child labor argue, “poor families would be even poorer without the supplemental financial contribution of children.” Another source says, “children learn vocational skills, making it easier for them to get a job later in life...[teaching] them responsibility, adulthood, teamwork, practical skills.”

Other than the benefits these kids have on their economy, this saying implies that children also have major benefits to this experience. However, the NCBI states that children, “work sometimes in hazardous environments, being forced into commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking, or forcibly recruited or kidnapped to be part of terrorist groups” and “most...missed out on school and need additional education in order to feed themselves and make a more stable life.” Everyone in general shouldn’t have to go through sexual exploitation, trafficking, and be recruited or kidnapped to do something. Also, these aren’t skills that teach them responsibility and prepare them for adulthood. They say that children would need education once they get out of labor and as a soldier to create a stable life.

Therefore, children have no benefits other than receiving just enough money for the survival of them and their family. Since other consequences of child labor and soldiers are unjust, one small benefit shouldn’t overpower the lasting consequences they would have to face on their own. Another reason why this should be illegal is because children are being psychologically damaged. They’re separated from their families and desensitized from the violence they face. Kids aren’t getting the care they need with the absence of their parents which is one aspect to their “insufficient” state. They are also traumatised by what they’re forced to go through. Considering this, it hurt their emotional state, behavior, and cognition. NCBI states that, “children need to undergo reintegration programmes to help them return to civilian life” This generally tells us how traumatizing the experience is and how careless the supporters of this issue are.

Therefore, people should at least be on the same page about how child labor and soldiers, even when it has win-win benefits, is not okay. If people can, they should raise awareness and attempt to stop child soldiers and laborers from being present, standing up and making this issue actually worth the attention it needs.

Michelle Yoo / Northwood HS 10th Grade

<Michelle Yoo / Northwood HS 10th Grade>