In conversations about child welfare and upbringing, the terms “child labour” and “chores” often emerge, sometimes creating confusion due to their seemingly similar context of children performing tasks. However, the distinction between these two concepts is both critical and profound.
Child labour refers to work that deprives children of their childhood, potential, and dignity, and is harmful to their physical and mental development. It typically involves activities that are excessively strenuous, dangerous, or inappropriate for the child’s age, and often interferes with their schooling. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines child labour as work that: 1) Is mentally, physically, socially, or morally dangerous and harmful to children; 2) Interferes with their schooling by depriving them of the opportunity to attend school, obliging them to leave school prematurely, or requiring them to attempt to combine school attendance with excessively long and heavy work.
Conversely, chores represent a valuable aspect of a child’s upbringing, instilling responsibility, discipline, and essential life skills. From tidying their rooms to helping with household tasks, chores teach children the importance of contributing to their family and community. When assigned age-appropriate chores within a supportive environment, children learn autonomy, time management, and the satisfaction of completing tasks independently.
In observing Child Labour Day 2024, Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud said: “Child labour…should not be confused at all with chores. We all grew up doing chores and in our culture that exists in Guyana, we do not want to be in conflict with that sensitivity that really permits some discipline in the home setting and the school setting. I say that because if we are not conscious of those settings, then we will, I would say, engender in children a resistance to many things that can help in their self-development.”
Quite often, however, the line between chores and child labour can blur, especially in contexts where economic hardship compels families to rely on their children for income or domestic help.
Moreover, cultural norms and attitudes towards child labour vary widely across the globe, complicating efforts to eradicate this scourge. While some societies view child labour as a necessity or even a rite of passage, others vehemently condemn it as a violation of children’s rights. Bridging these divergent perspectives requires a concerted effort to promote universal values of child welfare, education, and human dignity.
As a global community, we must prioritise the eradication of child labour through comprehensive measures that address its root causes. These include investing in education and social welfare programmes, and enforcement of labour laws to protect vulnerable children from exploitation. Simultaneously, we must empower families with the resources and support they need to provide for their children without resorting to child labour.
In delineating between child labour and chores, we here in Guyana must uphold the fundamental principle that every child deserves a childhood free from exploitation, and chores, when approached with sensitivity and balance, can nurture a child’s sense of responsibility and self-worth. However, the exploitation of children for economic gain or convenience is an affront to our shared humanity and must be unequivocally condemned.
Ultimately, the distinction between child labour and chores lies not only in the tasks themselves, but in the context in which they are performed and the impact they have on a child’s well-being. Let us in Guyana strive to create a country where every child can flourish in safety, dignity, and freedom.
