Our Voice Should Be Heard to Stop Child Labor

Child labor is a major problem in the modern world. People have tried to resolve it for generations, but despite their efforts, children are still being taken into slavery and servitude against the law. We can’t put an official end to it, but if everyone contributes just a little, we can make it easier. There are a few ways you can contribute to making a difference. For example, you can educate others about the issue, do research to see what organisations have been known to use child laborers, and partake in events like World Day Against Child Labor (June 12).

The main reason child labor continues to be such a big problem, is because not enough people speak out against it. People like to think that child labor doesn’t happen anymore, that it was a thing of the past. That is why, according to the International Labour Organization, “152 million children between 5 and 17 years are victims of child labour.” Most of the time, organisations will use children to do their work, especially when their factories are located in third-world countries, where families will do almost anything to earn money, food, water, or even oil. By keeping yourself updated on what organisations and companies are known to have children in child labor working for them, you can keep yourself from buying their products, and supporting what they do with your purchase.

You can also stop child labor by participating in boycotts, awareness days, and protests. The United Nations has set an official “World Day Against Child Labour” for the twelfth of June every year. This day is dedicated to spreading awareness about the extent of child labor and how we can get rid of it. According to un.org, “the World Day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers...” If you participate in this World Day, and educate yourself and others about the problem, it will definitely make a difference.