Persuasive speech on child labor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Persuasive speech on child labor - Essay Example In 2008, children aged between 5 and 17 made approximately 215 million child laborers worldwide. Children are adversely affected by child labor as they are still in their development stages of life. It is clear then that child labor has negative effects and should therefore be put to a stop. The effects of child labor are immense. Through the deprivation of their childhood, their development, mentally and physically is widely affected. It interferes with schooling by having to combine long and heavy work with school, having to obligingly leave school prematurely or denying them the important chance of school attendance (International Labor Organization, 2014). Additionally, the tasks are harmful to the children as they are still growing and the heavy physical work could cause damage. The worst forms of child labor include slavery; offering or involving a child in illicit activities; using a child for prostitution, pornographic performances and production; and work likely to harm the child’s morals, health or safety. There are several factors that influence the working of children, poverty being the most compelling. As most families spend most of their meager income on food, supplementary income from working children is much needed (UN, 2014). Other factors include lack of education where it is unaffordable; market demand, as child labor is cheap; and culture and traditions that allow children to spend most of their time laboring. It is also prevalent in households affected by economic crises and natural disasters. The menace is persistent with reluctant national laws and policies for the protection of children. The effects of child labor are devastating, with heightened risk of injury, illness and even death due to dangers involved. Approximately 22,000 children die from work-related accidents every year (Gifford, 2009). Physical strain may damage their bones and joints, causing spinal injuries, disabilities and even