CHILD LABOR AND ITS IMPACT ON THE CHILD’S EDUCATION AND WELL-BEING

(JOSHUA MALABOSA)

Motivation:
Student will watch a short documentary film about child labor and share their realization and insights.

Intended Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, the students with at least 85% accuracy will be able to:

a. Define child labor and explain its negative impacts on children's access to education and
overall learning outcomes;
b. Compare and contrast at least two policies aimed at reducing child labor, discussing their
strengths and weaknesses based on real-world examples;
c. Determine the different to combat Child Labor in the global and national scale;
d. Design and present a simple advocacy campaign raising awareness about child labor and
promoting educational opportunities for children; and
e. Write a reflective essay about child labor and discussing the importance of advocating for
children's rights.

Introduction: Define Child Labor and Its Impact on Education

Child labor is defined as work that deprives children of their childhood, potential, and dignity, and is
harmful to their physical and mental development. According to the International Labor Organization
(ILO), as of 2021, approximately 160 million children were engaged in child labor globally, with 53
million of these children not attending school, highlighting a significant barrier to education (ILO &
UNICEF, 2021).

(RYAN)

Child labor remains a pressing issue in the Philippines, with significant implications for the education
and well-being of children. As of 2022, approximately 1.48 million children aged 5 to 17 were
engaged in various forms of work, representing 4.7% of the total child population in this age group
(Philippine Statistics Authority [PSA], 2023). Among these working children, about 828,000 were
classified as engaged in child labor, which includes those involved in hazardous work or working
more than 40 hours per week. While this figure reflects a decrease from 935,000 in 2021, the overall
increase in the number of working children highlights the ongoing challenges faced by families,
particularly in economically disadvantaged regions. The majority of child laborers were boys, making
up 66.2% of the total, and the sectors where child labor is most prevalent include agriculture and
services. As the country continues to navigate economic recovery post-COVID-19, addressing child
labor remains critical for ensuring that all children have the opportunity to pursue education and
achieve their full potential.

The impact of child labor on education is profound. Children involved in labor often struggle to
balance work and school, leading to lower academic performance and higher dropout rates. A recent
study indicated that hazardous child labor significantly impedes school attendance, with many
working children lagging behind their peers in grade progression and learning achievement (EPI,
2024).

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, pushing more children into labor
as families faced economic hardships. The pandemic's effects have resulted in an increase in child
labor violations, further limiting educational opportunities for affected children (EPI, 2024).
(ROBERTO)

Furthermore, child labor can hinder cognitive development and limit opportunities for social interaction
and personal growth. The skills and knowledge that children gain through education are vital for their
future success, and when they are forced to work instead of learning, they miss out on essential
developmental experiences. The long-term implications are alarming: children who do not receive an
adequate education are more likely to remain in low-wage, unskilled jobs as adults, thereby
perpetuating the cycle of poverty and limiting economic growth in their communities (ILO, 2021).

Child labor not only robs children of their childhood but also severely impacts their educational
outcomes, creating barriers that can affect their entire lives. Addressing these issues is critical for
fostering a society where all children can thrive and reach their full potential.

(KENNETH)

Policies Aimed at Reducing Child Labor: Global and Philippine Contexts

Child labor remains a significant issue worldwide, and various policies have been implemented to
combat it. This section compares and contrasts global strategies with specific policies in the
Philippines aimed at reducing child labor.

Global Policies

International Conventions and Frameworks:

The ILO Minimum Age Convention (No. 138) and the Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention
(No. 182) are pivotal in establishing global standards for the elimination of child labor. These
conventions set the minimum age for employment and prohibit the worst forms of child labor,
emphasizing the need for countries to implement laws that protect children. The ILO's commitment to
ending child labor by 2025 aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal
8.7, which aims to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery, and human trafficking, and ensure that
all children are free from child labor (ILO & UNICEF, 2021).

Social Protection and Education Initiatives:

Global strategies emphasize expanding access to quality education and social safety nets. For
instance, the ILO advocates for investments in education and social protection systems to provide
families with the support they need to keep their children in school. Evidence shows that countries
that have successfully reduced child labor often implement comprehensive policies that include
educational reforms, social protection programs, and community engagement (UNICEF, 2022).

(LENDON)

Philippine Policies
Republic Act No. 9231:

In the Philippines, Republic Act No. 9231 aims to eliminate child labor and protect children from
exploitation. This law prohibits the employment of children below 15 years and regulates the
conditions under which children aged 15 to 18 can work. It also mandates the government to
implement programs that provide educational opportunities and social services to vulnerable families.
However, enforcement remains a challenge due to limited resources and widespread poverty, which
often forces families to rely on their children's income (Philippine Department of Labor and
Employment, 2021).

The Expanded Social Protection Program (ESPP):

The ESPP is another initiative aimed at reducing child labor in the Philippines by providing conditional
cash transfers to families. This program encourages families to send their children to school by
offering financial assistance, which can alleviate the economic pressures that lead to child labor.
While the ESPP has shown positive results in increasing school attendance, challenges such as
corruption and inadequate funding for educational resources can hinder its effectiveness (World
Bank, 2022).

(EDEN)

Comparison and Contrast

Scope and Enforcement: Global policies like the ILO conventions provide a broad framework for
child labor elimination, but their effectiveness relies heavily on national implementation and
enforcement. In contrast, Philippine laws like Republic Act No. 9231 are more specific but often face
enforcement issues due to economic constraints.

Focus on Education: Both global and Philippine policies emphasize the importance of education in
combating child labor. However, while global strategies advocate for comprehensive educational
reforms and social protection, the Philippine approach focuses on conditional cash transfers to
incentivize school attendance.

Community Engagement: Global policies often highlight the importance of community involvement
and social dialogue in addressing child labor. In the Philippines, while community engagement is
recognized, the implementation of such initiatives can be inconsistent, often limited by local
governance challenges.

While both global and Philippine policies aim to reduce child labor through education and protective
legislation, the success of these initiatives depends on effective enforcement, adequate funding, and
community involvement. Addressing the root causes of child labor, such as poverty and lack of
access to quality education, remains critical for both contexts.

(ERICA)

Organizations Advocating for Anti-Child Labor

Globally, one prominent organization advocating for children's rights and anti-child labor is Save the
Children. Founded over a century ago, Save the Children has been at the forefront of championing
the rights of children globally, with a mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive,
learn, and be protected. Their advocacy efforts focus on policy changes that address the root causes
of child labor, emphasizing the importance of access to quality education and social protection for
vulnerable families. Through their political advocacy arm, the Save the Children Action Network
(SCAN), they work to build bipartisan support for policies that protect children, particularly in conflict
zones and areas affected by humanitarian crises. This includes campaigns to ensure that children are
not exploited for labor and that their rights to education and safety are prioritized (Save the Children,
2022). By leveraging research, partnerships, and grassroots activism, Save the Children aims to
mobilize communities and policymakers to take action against child labor and uphold the rights of
children worldwide.
(REBEA)

In the Philippines, a significant organization advocating for children's rights and anti-child labor is
World Vision Philippines. Through its Against Child Exploitation (ACE) Project, World Vision
supports the Philippine government's efforts to combat the worst forms of child labor, including online
sexual exploitation of children. The ACE Project, launched in 2019, focuses on raising awareness and
advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of child labor. One of its key initiatives
is the Global March Against Child Labor, held annually in January, which mobilizes communities to
highlight the plight of children engaged in labor and to promote their rights to education and safety
(World Vision, 2023).

Additionally, World Vision collaborates with local governments and community organizations to
provide support services for victims of child labor and to strengthen legal frameworks that protect
children. Their comprehensive approach includes capacity-building efforts for local stakeholders to
improve enforcement of child labor laws and to provide assistance to affected families, thereby
addressing both prevention and intervention aspects of child labor (World Vision, 2023). Through
these initiatives, World Vision Philippines plays a crucial role in advocating for children's rights and
working towards the elimination of child labor in the country.

(JAY LOU)

Discuss the Relevance of Advocating for Children's Rights and Its Societal Implications

Advocating for children's rights is crucial in addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate child
labor. Advocacy efforts can lead to increased awareness, policy changes, and improved access to
education. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the importance of education as a
fundamental right and a means to break the cycle of poverty.

The societal implications of failing to address child labor are profound. Children who miss educational
opportunities are more likely to remain in low-wage, unskilled jobs as adults, perpetuating cycles of
poverty and limiting economic growth. Moreover, the health risks associated with child labor can have
long-term effects on communities, as uneducated individuals may struggle to contribute effectively to
society.

(IRISH)
Recommendations to Combat Child Labor in the Global and National Scale

Global Recommendations

 Strengthen enforcement of international conventions and frameworks like the ILO Minimum
Age Convention (No. 138) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182). This
requires countries to allocate adequate resources for monitoring and penalizing violations.
 Invest in quality, accessible education as a key strategy to prevent child labor. This includes
building more schools, training teachers, and providing financial assistance to families to keep
children in school.
 Expand social protection programs that provide families with income security and access to
essential services. These can help address the root causes of child labor, such as poverty.
 Promote community engagement and social dialogue to raise awareness about child labor and
build support for solutions tailored to local contexts. Partnerships with civil society, unions, and
businesses are crucial.

(MARK)

Philippine-Specific Recommendations

 Strengthen enforcement of Republic Act No. 9231 which prohibits child labor, by increasing
labor inspections, penalties for violations, and access to complaint mechanisms for victims.
 Increase funding and improve targeting of the Expanded Social Protection Program (ESPP) to
ensure it effectively reaches families at risk of relying on child labor. Measures to address
corruption are also needed.
 Invest in quality, accessible education in the Philippines, particularly in disadvantaged regions
with high rates of child labor. This includes building more schools, training teachers, and
providing financial assistance to families.
 Support the efforts of organizations like World Vision Philippines in advocating for children's
rights, raising awareness about child labor, and providing services to affected families and
children. Ensure these initiatives are well-funded and coordinated with government efforts.
 Address the root causes of child labor in the Philippines, such as poverty, lack of access to
education, and social norms that normalize child work. A comprehensive, multi-stakeholder
approach is needed to tackle these complex issues.

(JOSHUA MALABOSA)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, addressing child labor is a critical issue that requires a multifaceted approach involving
global standards, national policies, and community engagement. The prevalence of child labor in the
Philippines, where approximately 1.48 million children are engaged in various forms of work,
underscores the urgent need for effective interventions. Policies such as Republic Act No. 9231 and
the Expanded Social Protection Program aim to protect children and incentivize education, yet
challenges in enforcement and resource allocation persist. Organizations like World Vision
Philippines and Save the Children play vital roles in advocating for children's rights, raising
awareness, and promoting systemic changes to combat child labor. Their efforts highlight the
importance of education and social protection in breaking the cycle of poverty that often drives
families to rely on their children's earnings. Ultimately, fostering a society where all children can thrive
and reach their full potential is essential for sustainable development and economic growth.

References:

 International Labor Organization (ILO), & United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). (2021).
Child labor: Global estimates 2020.
https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/child-labour/lang--en/index.htm
 Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). (2023). Working children situation.
https://psa.gov.ph/statistics/labor-force-survey/child-labor-statistics
 Economic Policy Institute (EPI). (2024). Child labor remains a key state legislative issue in
2024. https://www.epi.org/blog/child-labor-remains-a-key-state-legislative-issue-in-2024-state-
lawmakers-must-seize-opportunities-to-strengthen-standards-resist-ongoing-attacks-on-child-
labor-laws/
 Philippine Department of Labor and Employment. (2021). Republic Act No. 9231.
https://www.dole.gov.ph
 Save the Children. (2022). Advocate for children. https://www.savethechildren.org/us/ways-to-
help/advocate-for-children
 World Vision Philippines. (2023). Project Against Child Exploitation (Project ACE).
https://www.worldvision.org.ph/a-global-march-against-child-labor/.