The six (6) fundamental Consequences of child labor are among the most known in term of Child Labor in Nigeria. In Nigeria most especially, it’s obvious that child labor has become malevolent that causes damage to the education, health, and growth of a large population of children in Nigeria. It is said that the rate of child labor has in recent time increased extremely in Africa. And especially in Nigeria and are also seen as a norm. Children are seen in most part of the country doing mania jobs in factories, hawking on the high ways and streets among others.
Additionally, most of them are also seen taken as maids in some houses while some of them are being trafficked. Hence, most times they work more but are underpaid or not paid at all. The working condition of child labors presents a grim picture of the socio-economic conditions of a large section of our population in a large growing family. A family where there is hardly a square meal a day, then the young child is compelled to go and work so as to earn a living.
Furthermore, poverty, overpopulation and parental neglect are seen as major contributing factors to the Causes of child labor in Nigeria. Children who are victims of these acts work under hazardous conditions and are prone to a life of perpetual unhappiness and frustration. The concept of Child Labor transmits to tales of depressions and longings which may lead them into other criminal acts that are unhealthy to society.
Six (6) Fundamental Consequences of Child Labor in Nigeria
The six (6) fundamental Consequences of child labor in Nigeria are the leading principles, rules, laws among others; that serves as the groundwork towards essentials Consequences as it relates to child labor. For every cause, there’s an effect and the concept of child labor in Nigeria connotes a lot of consequences.
Furthermore, Over 168 million children aged 5-17 are trapped in child labor. Child labor has an evil effect and is also a threat to our society. It is believed that the majority of the child laborers are female and the start working averagely as early as age seven (7). Also, the work for an average of four (4) hours daily in view of contributing to the upkeep of the family.
The Six (6) fundamental consequences of child labor entail the six (6) primary and important power that the negative influence of child labor causes. And they among others includes the followings;
1) A major cause of Broken Homes:
One of the six (6) fundamental consequences of child labor is that it causes a broken family. Child labor has indeed lead to a large percentage of social-cultural institutions like marriages and family collapse. This is usually a result of child abuse and negligence to child’s rights, resulting to lack of care and affection towards children. Nonetheless, encouraging the children to engage in diverse labor in other to earn a living and find succor amidst the situation. And eventually resulting to a broken home.
2) Destabilizes Society:
Among the six (6) fundamental causes of child labor is that it destabilizes the society in so many ways. The engagement of child labour is a heinous offence, only a deceased society keeps up this evil practice. Children are born to live and bloom freely, everyone should see to the full expression of their potentials, for what is done to children they will do to society.
3) Deprived of Proper Education:
When a child is unduly engaged in economic activity, it causes great menace in the life of the child among which includes improper education. When a child is engaged early in economic activities, it tends to deviate the child’s mindset of acquiring proper education. Furthermore, a child who as a result of this, did not have a proper education will be doomed to become an illiterate adult. And invariably, have no chance of improving his or her professional and social life.
4) Child Labor negatively affects the health of the child:
Child labor without doubt affects the health of the child, as children who work are prone to be exposed to inadequate or unbalance nutrition. Most of these children have oftentimes suffered from destructive actions like mental, physical and sexual exploitation. All these factors affect negatively the general condition of the body or mind with reference to the soundness and vigor of the children. Affecting the health of the child is among the notable six (6) fundamental consequences of child labour in nigeria.
5) Delays Economic Development:
Child Labour is a major huddle in the economic development of a nation. As the victims are deprived of attaining a higher education qualification, which invariably delays economic development. Increased skill development and technological capabilities are fundamental in economic development and transformation. Hence, child labor, without doubt, delays the economic development of a nation.
6) Causes a great risk to the Child’s life:
It endangers the life of these children and also kill some of the passion to pursue their dreams in life. The concept of child labor grossly endangers a child’s morals and life in general. Especially when it has to do with prostitution, child pornography and other sexual exploitations. There are also cases of physical abuse that involve emotional mistreat and corporal torture such as; rejection, decry, reproach, degradation, verbal attacks among others. These factors constitute a great risk in the life of the child/children.
Child labor in Nigeria as well as in the rest of the world has however, eaten deep into the fabric of the Nigeria child and the nations at large. Knowing the six (6) fundamental consequences of child labor and boosting its awareness will positively affect the well-being of every child and discourage child labor.
