Child Labor and Education

Child labor has generally been understood to be work that interferes with a child's education and, therefore, has a negative effect on his or her development. In contrast to child labor, child work is an acceptable and, in some cases, even positive form of child employment that does not interfere with schooling and play. This entry briefly reviews the history of child labor and describes international initiatives to eliminate it, including efforts to address underlying causes such as poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and HIV/AIDS. The entry examines efforts to expand educational opportunities for children, including both formal and informal education as well as vocational training. The entry concludes with a look at special concerns relating to vulnerable and marginalized children.

The issue of child labor ...