How Do We Stop the Negative Effects of Child Labor?
Some ways we can stop the negative effects of child labor include advocating for its end, being thoughtful consumers and providing impoverished families with an alternative.
Advocating for Its End
Worldwide, 63 million girls and 97 million boys are in child labor.1 This number is climbing due to the pandemic. Most of those children do not go to school, which is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty. The first place we can advocate for its end is at the throne of God. The book of Hebrews in God’s Word tells us,
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”2
This includes our intercession for those we know are suffering. God, in His infinite love, is deeply concerned with the needs of every human on the planet. He exhorts us to pray without ceasing about all things.3
We can also join our voices with organizations that are actively working to bring child labor to an end. Look for organizations with transparency and a history of success.
Being Thoughtful Consumers
The agricultural industry is the biggest user of child labor, especially in areas where it’s easy to hide. Cotton and chocolate are two products that are notorious for using children in difficult, dangerous situations.4 5 Once you are aware of the millions of children in danger through the production of these two major commodities, you can start to look for companies that clearly advertise the sources of their products. Research before purchasing.
Providing Impoverished Families with an Alternative
One of the biggest reasons families have to put their children to work is that they have no other option. Their situation in extreme poverty leaves them trying to figure out how to survive, and sometimes in their desperation they choose another family member working.
You can provide the alternative to these families by sponsoring a child through GFA. For just $35 a month, you can help give a child the path out of child labor. Through GFA’ child sponsorship program, missionaries provide community wide solutions such as clean water, nutritious food, tutoring assistance and medical care. These solutions help relieve financial hardship from hard-working parents which makes it less likely they will send their children to work.
Sponsor a child today and be the alternative they need. Your loving gift will make a difference.
Learn more about effects of child labor1 “Child Labor: Facts, FAQs, and How to Help End It.” World Vision. Accessed February 25, 2022. https://www.worldvision.org/child-protection-news-stories/child-labor-facts#:~:text=of%20child%20labor-,Fast%20facts%3A%20Child%20labor,labor%20are%20out%20of%20school.
2 Hebrews 4:16
3 1 Thessalonians 5:17
4 “Don’t Trade Lives Factsheet.” 2012. World Vision Australia. https://www.worldvision.com.au/docs/default-source/buy-ethical-fact-sheets/forced-and-child-labour-in-the-cotton-industry-fact-sheet.pdf?sfvrsn=2.
5 “Child Labor and Slavery in the Chocolate Industry.” Food Is Power. Accessed February 26, 2022. https://foodispower.org/human-labor-slavery/slavery-chocolate/.