Research on child abuse and child labour.

We were told that we would be doing a project based on the topics, child abuse and child labor or both if we choose to. A sensitive issue i would say, but one that shouldn't be left untouched. From what i know, children below the age of 15, aren't old enough or mature enough to tell the difference between whats right and whats wrong. They aren't old enough to think for themselves. Therefore, are unable to reason and make decisions, yet. Before they grow up and are thrown into the reality of the world that is filled with chaos, burdens and etc. They should be given the chance to live in world of innocence, a carefree period where all they do is absorb the good and learn the knowledge needed to steel themselves for the upcoming challenges. There are some children that are fortunate enough to have that privilege, and there are those that are thrown into the darker side of childhood. One that we now know as child labor and child abuse.

I have done my fair share of research on these topics, and the following would be what i understand about it. To classify one's case as child labor, one would include the following criterias :
- Violation of minimum age laws.
- Threatens a child in any form.
- Preventing children from basic education rights.
- Involves intolerable abuse.

This happens nearly globally, Of an estimated 215 child laborers around the globe: approximately 114 million (53%) are in Asia and the Pacific; 14 million (7%) live in Latin America; and 65 million (30%) live in sub-Saharan Africa.[1]

It seems that most of the cases occur mainly because of poverty. Young children, some even below the age of 5 are forced to work under harsh conditions and sometimes even life threatening. In some cases, children are sold as slaves to help relief debts, others are forced to work to help support families and in some extreme cases children are made into child soldiers. Its a shame that the promising younger generation is robbed of their opportunity to shine in the future. Some are lucky enough to be rescued and given second chances others, not so.

To classify one's case as child abuse, one would include the following criterias :
- Child is physically abused.
- Emotionally abused.
- Sexually abused.
- Child is uncared for, not given basic needs to survive.

It is reported that nearly 3 million cases of child abuse are reported each year. I looked around the internet for reasons why does child abuse occur. Its stated that drug abusers, alcoholics, people with extreme temper or abusive nature tend to be abusers. With this being said, it looks like as if people who have less control over their composure or after substance abuse tend to let our their rage on children. But, there are no boundaries to abuse. Even a person with high standing, of great reputation can be an abuser. A simple slap across the face can lead to another and soon escalate. Even words can leave an effect, after all words are as sharp as swords. Children that are neglected are also considered as abusing them, which makes sense since a child isn't old enough to take care of themselves and hence need guidance and protection from the parents.

[1] -http://www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/laborctr/child_labor/about/what_is_child_labor.html