Abstract
A descriptive cross-sectional study of children between 7-14 years was conducted in Delhi, India. Child labour and school-going children (n=1000) of the same socioeconomic background were selected to know the impact of child labour on the behavior patterns of the children. The convenience sampling technique was adopted across Delhi slums to select the children. Children were subjected to strength and difficult questionnaire (SDQ). Results indicated that total difficulty is more prevalent in child labor (45.2%) as compared to school-going children (36%). Social conduct problem is the most prevalent behavioral problem (43.2%) found in child labor. The association between working status and higher conduct problems were found to be statistically significant. A strong positive association was found between working status and difficulty score.
TopNegative Effects
Child labour robes the childhood of a child. Labour has a devastating impact on the physical and mental growth of a child. The working hours for an economic activity does not provide them the time to go to a school and educate themselves in a structured manner. The time which could have been spent in leisure and play to learn to adjust the nuances of age appropriate activities goes in earning bread for themselves and the family. Inappropriate pay and lack of access to education contribute to low dignity and self-esteem of children. It has a direct impact on their social and cognitive development. Child labour are also abused physically and emotionally (Eric, V. Edmonds Dartmouth, Iza, and Nber, 2009).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Emotional Problems: Consist of many worries, often unhappy, downhearted, nervousness to new situations, fearfulness.
Hyperactivity: Consists of being restless, constantly fidgeting and squirming, easily distracted and not focused, thinks things out before acting.
Peer-Related Issues: Having problems with peers like bullied, abused, fights by others.
Child Labour: A child engaged in economic activity, on part- or full-time basis.
Pro-Social Behaviour: Considerate of others’ feelings, shares readily with others, helpful if someone is hurt.
Conduct Problems: Are related to temper tantrums or hot tempers, disobedience, fights, often cheats and lies, stealing.
Psychological Impact: Mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and panic disorders.