Legal Definitions - child work

Child work refers to beneficial or healthy tasks performed by a minor, typically within their family unit or a family-run enterprise. This term is often used to distinguish such activities from "child labor," which implies exploitative, harmful, or excessively burdensome work that interferes with a child's education or well-being.

Instead, child work is generally viewed as a positive experience that contributes to a child's development, teaches valuable skills, fosters a sense of responsibility, and strengthens family solidarity. It involves constructive contributions that help children learn practical skills, adapt socially, and understand the value of contributing to a household or family business.

• Example 1: Helping on a Family Farm

  A 14-year-old named Maya regularly helps her parents tend to their small organic vegetable garden, which supplies produce for their family and a local farmers' market stand. She learns about planting, weeding, harvesting, and even basic sales during her time working alongside her parents.

  This illustrates child work because Maya, a minor, is engaged in tasks that are beneficial for her development (learning agricultural skills, responsibility, work ethic) and contributes positively to her family's well-being and enterprise. It's a constructive activity within the family, not exploitative or harmful.

• Example 2: Assisting in a Family-Owned Business

  Ten-year-old Leo spends a few hours each Saturday morning helping his father organize inventory and greet customers at their family-owned hardware store. He learns how to sort items, basic customer service, and the importance of keeping a tidy workspace.

  Leo's involvement is a clear instance of child work. He is a minor performing salutary tasks within a family business. This experience helps him develop practical skills and a sense of contribution to the family's livelihood, reinforcing family solidarity rather than being a burdensome or harmful form of labor.

• Example 3: Supporting a Home-Based Family Enterprise

  A 16-year-old, Chloe, assists her grandmother with administrative tasks for her small, home-based craft business, such as packaging orders, printing shipping labels, and managing social media posts for a few hours a week.

  This example demonstrates child work as Chloe, a minor, is performing beneficial tasks that teach her vocational skills (e-commerce, marketing, organization) within a family context. Her contribution helps her grandmother's business while providing Chloe with valuable experience in a supportive environment.