Child Labour In China

As China's Economy Grows, So does China's Child Labour Problem

"[A] report concludes that child labour is particularly in demand because children have smaller hands and eyesight undamaged by years of labour, making them more desirable than adults for certain kinds of work."

The use of child labour is becoming more prevalent, especially in the following industries: Toy production, textiles, construction, food production, and light mechanical work.

This is generally because families, in rural areas of China, can not afford the cost of education for thier childern. Instead they ship them to larger cities where they are able to work and help support the family.

"Parents of juvenile labourers rarely have a clear idea of the adverse working conditions and physical risks inherent in industrial work. Moreover, the juvenile workers learn themselves are often reluctant to complain, knowing well the critical nature of their financial contributions to the family."

One of the biggest problems with child labour is the fact that juveniles are less aware of the safety hazards that surround them in their work place. " Furthermore, while adult and juvenile labourers both shoulder similar burdens of financial contribution to the family, the workplace injury or death of a minor brings an even greater degree of bereavement and psychological damage to loved ones."