Child labour is work that deprives children of their childhood, their health and their education. It remains one of the biggest obstacles to schooling around the world. This guide explains the latest figures, how child labour damages education, why it happens, and what helps.
Child Labour in Numbers
According to the latest global estimates from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, published in 2025:
- Nearly 138 million children were in child labour in 2024.
- Around 54 million were in hazardous work that could harm their health, safety or development.
- Child labour fell by more than 20 million since 2020, but the world missed its goal of ending child labour by 2025.
- Agriculture accounts for 61% of child labour, services 27% and industry 13%.
- Sub-Saharan Africa has nearly two-thirds of all child labourers.
How Child Labour Harms Education
- Missing school completely: many working children never enrol or drop out early.
- Poor attendance: children who combine work and school often miss classes, especially during harvest seasons.
- Tiredness and poor learning: long hours leave little energy for study or homework.
- Health problems: injuries and illness from hazardous work affect concentration and attendance.
- Lower lifetime earnings: less education usually means lower-paid work as adults, continuing the cycle of poverty.
Why Child Labour Happens
- Poverty: families may rely on children’s income or help at home.
- Lack of good schools: schools that are far away, costly or low-quality make work seem the better option.
- Shocks and crises: illness, job loss, disasters and conflict push children into work.
- Weak law enforcement of child labour and compulsory education laws.
- Parents’ education level: children whose parents have little schooling are more likely to work, while educated parents tend to value and support schooling. See how parental education affects children’s success.
Solutions That Keep Children in School
- Free, quality education close to home.
- Social protection: cash transfers, school stipends and free school meals that reduce the need for children’s income.
- Decent work for adults, so families do not depend on children.
- Strong laws and enforcement on minimum working age and compulsory schooling.
- Community awareness about the long-term value of education.
- Bridge and catch-up classes for children returning to school.
What You Can Do
- Support organisations that fight child labour and fund education.
- Choose products from companies that check their supply chains.
- Report suspected child labour to the relevant authorities or child helplines in your country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all work by children child labour?
No. Light, age-appropriate tasks that do not harm health or interfere with school, such as helping at home, are not considered child labour. Child labour is work that is harmful or that keeps children from education.
Which sector has the most child labour?
Agriculture, which accounts for 61% of child labour worldwide.
Conclusion
Child labour and lack of education feed each other in a cycle of poverty. Free quality schooling, support for poor families and strong laws can break that cycle and give every child the chance to learn.
