As noted above, children often work to meet a minimal subsistence standard. In the agricultural sector this can come at a high cost, as children are often eganged in danagerous activities, including working with sharp objects or in wet, dark or cold surroundings. Conditional cash transfers as well as school meals have been shown to help chidlren get out of work and are therefore seen as beneficial. From a health perspective, these children are less likely to be put in harmful situations.
However, having had to work can also be associated with profound psychological costs that will not be addressed by the above policies. In turn, poor mental health in children can have serious consequences later in life, including substance abuse, violence and poor reproductive health.
Mental health is often a neglected health issue in developing countries, especially when it comes to children. Measuring and monitoring the mental health of current and former child laborers is likely to help better mitigate the effects of this problem. Family education programs teaching parents to identify mental health issues in children and adolescents are likely to be beneficial. Schools could also provide councelling and other treatments, particularly in rural areas.
Prof. Alberto Posso