Troubling Childhood: The Physical and Health Issues Experienced by Child Labourers

Abstract

ABSTRACT Childhood is a period when the responsibilities of care and sustenance of an individual are born by others. Hence, the child is exonerated from any labor activity, which could be considered detrimental to the child’s growth or development. This study examined the phenomenon of child labor and how it impacts on children’s physical and health development. The qualitative research approach was adopted in this study. Eight children between the ages of 7 and 14 years who experienced different physical and health issues due to their engagement in child labor were interviewed. Working children described that their lives are endangered due to their vulnerability to harmful objects and to road accidents, given the constant traffic when working on the streets. The study revealed that child labor activities engender headaches, bodily pains, bruises or cuts to their bodies, fractures and diseases that posed serious threats to their health. The developmental impacts as a result of child labor compromise children’s well-being, thereby making it difficult for them to enjoy their childhood, particularly in situations where their lives are threatened. The need to advance social work strategies in order to tackle the phenomenon is expedient.