Policy on Children's Work and Labour. (18th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bourdillon, Michael; Carothers, Richard
• Other Names: Boddy Janet guestEditor.; Bragg Sara guestEditor.; Sims‐Schouten Wendy guestEditor.; Stryker Rachael guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Children & society. Volume 33:Number 4(2019)
• Page Start: 387
• Page End: 395
• Publication Date: 2018-12-18
• Subjects: child labour -- child protection -- children's work -- education; Children -- Care and hygiene -- Periodicals; Child welfare -- Periodicals; Child welfare -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Children -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; 362.70941
• DOI: 10.1111/chso.12313
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-0605

Abstract

Abstract : Current international child labour policies emphasise removing children from work rather than improving their well‐being. Prohibited 'child labour' extends beyond work shown to be harmful, and work in poorer, majority‐world societies is particularly targeted. These policies ignore benefits that children can gain from work, and have been developed largely without the involvement of the children, families and communities most concerned, limiting chances of successful outcomes. This paper argues for alternative approaches, developed in collaboration with children and their communities, focussing on children's well‐being and development, and protecting children from harm and exploitation while allowing them to benefit from appropriate work.