Peer-reviewed article
Child Labour And Its Long-Term Impact On Social Development: An Analysis Of Health, Education, And Well-Being
Tean Jin Quan, Fadillah Ismail ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This paper examines child labour in Malaysia and its long-term effects on children's health, education, and social development. The study identifies poverty, cultural norms, and weak law enforcement as root causes, and finds that child labour perpetuates poverty cycles while denying children education and harming their physical and mental health. Refugee and stateless children face particular vulnerability. The paper recommends poverty reduction programs, stronger enforcement of labour laws, and improved educational access for marginalized children.
Key points
- Child labour perpetuates cycles of poverty and denies children access to education
- Child labour endangers both physical and mental well-being
- Refugee and stateless children face barriers to legal protection and education
- Root causes include poverty, cultural norms, and weak enforcement of labour laws
- Comprehensive strategies needed including poverty alleviation, law enforcement, and educational opportunities
Limitations
This is a qualitative analysis rather than a quantitative study, so it does not provide prevalence data or effect sizes. The document does not describe the specific research methods, sample size, or data sources used.
Abstract
This paper explores the issue of child labour and its profound impact on health, education, and social development, with a focus on Malaysia. Using a qualitative analysis approach, it examines the root causes, effects, and systemic challenges, such as poverty, cultural norms, and weak enforcement of labour laws. Key findings reveal that child labour perpetuates cycles of poverty, denies children access to education, and endangers their physical and mental well-being. Refugee and stateless children are especially vulnerable, facing barriers to legal protection and education. The study highlights the need for comprehensive strategies, including poverty alleviation programs, improved enforcement of labour regulations, and enhanced educational opportunities for marginalized children. By addressing these issues, this paper contributes to the global dialogue on eliminating child labour, emphasizing its role in fostering sustainable development and equitable societies.