Child labour: the most visible type of child abuse and neglect in India

Abstract

Child labour is the most visible type of child abuse and neglect in India. In spite of contra‐legislation, it continues unabated. The enforcement machinery is inadequate. This paper is a discussion of why child labour is a form of child abuse and neglect. Definitions of child labour and child abuse and neglect are presented. These are followed by a report on the extent of child labour in India and the industries employing children, set within a description of the legislative context. The causes of child labour and their consequences are also discussed. There is a dearth of Indian research on the psychological consequences of child abuse, and of child labour in particular. Only the physical consequences of child labour in a few industries in India have been documented. Research findings from the developed nations are touched upon for a discussion of the psychological sequelae. The paper concludes with a few recommendations for the prevention and control of child labour. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with the Psychological Maltreatment and Neglect of Child Laborers in Rural Bangladesh

“…Compared to other forms of abuses, child neglect has received less attention in the area of child protection [48]. Tere are no previous studies that have examined neglect among child laborers, despite the fact that it is a frequent form of abuse [49]. Te current study estimates that nearly 70% of child laborers have been deprived of food and safe drinking water in the past year.…”

Maltreatment of child labourers in Bangladesh: Prevalence and characteristics of perpetrators

“…Parallel to the key informants’ opinion, estimates from the research literature suggest physical maltreatment of child labourers ranges between 45% and 70% [ 2 , 15 , 26 ]. Moreover, the expert participants considered that child labour itself is a form of emotional abuse, therefore, they categorised it as a higher than other forms of maltreatment [ 56 , 57 ]. The expert participants have provided a range of emotional abuse between 90% and 100% for child labourers.…”

Childhood maltreatment and its mental health consequences among Indian adolescents with a history of child work

“…Our findings demonstrate an alarmingly high prevalence of childhood maltreatment and victimisation in Indian adolescents with a history of child work. No children should have to suffer maltreatment, or be required to work while they should be at school (which in itself is considered a form of abuse and neglect, Caesar-Leo, 1999). This, however, is perhaps unachievable while a sizable proportion of the world population remains below the poverty line, and many countries, including India, lack an effective welfare system.…”