Child labor is the exploitation of young children that takes away their dignity, potential, and innocence. It comes in many forms, including factory work, agricultural work, trafficking, other industries that prey upon children for cheap labor. They are forced to do grueling work using dangerous equipment in factories and operate heavy machinery on farms and plantations. Young children are often sold through human trafficking rings and are put into unimagineable situations. These issues are especially prominent in developing countries, where these children are forced into labor due to poverty, a lack of education, and a lack of job opportunities for adults. According to UNICEF, approximately 152 million children are estimated to be currently engaged in child labor globally. These children are forced to work in inhumane conditions and are often the only source of income for their entire family. Working in these hazardous conditions leads to numerous health complications, including chronic diseases, growth deficiencies, and other lifelong trauma.
