Mexico leads in child labor numbers in the Americas, according to the National Child Labor Survey (ENTI).
It reports 3.7 million children working in unsafe or unfit conditions. This number surpasses Brazil and Peru, the next highest countries.
Notably, Mexico updated its child labor stats after the pandemic.
Brazil had 1.76 million child workers in 2020. Meanwhile, Peru’s last update in 2015 showed about 820,000 kids in child labor.
In the U.S., 4,474 minors worked in bad conditions between October 2022 and July 2023. This number marks a 44% increase from the previous year.
Child labor in Mexico rose by 14% from 2019 to 2022, says ENTI. Now, 3.7 million children work there.
Pedro Américo Furtado, from the International Labor Organization, says reliable data helps improve policies.
In late October, a major meeting will happen in Mérida, Yucatán. They will discuss strategies to combat child labor in Mexico.
The legal age to work in Mexico is 15. Most child laborers are boys, making up 59.5% of the total.
Girls often do unsuitable domestic chores. Boys mainly take on non-permitted jobs. Major sectors employing kids include agriculture, mining, and sales.
In Brazil, children can work starting at 16. Most work in livestock and farming. In Peru, the age limit is 14. Like Mexico, both countries struggle with child labor issues.
Child labor violates kids’ rights and affects their health and education. Recognizing this issue is the first step toward making positive changes for children’s futures.
Background
Child labor is not a new issue; it has historical roots in many countries, including Mexico. Traditionally, kids would work to supplement family income.
Now, child labor impedes educational opportunities, limiting their future potential. Global efforts to curb this issue have existed for decades.
Treaties like the UN’s Convention on the Rights of the Child aim to protect young workers.
Despite this, enforcement remains a challenge. Economic pressures often push families to send their kids to work.
Addressing the root causes of child labor is essential for lasting solutions.