Lost childhood, lost growth: the hidden cost of child labour on economic development

Abstract

Child labour remains a serious challenge in many developing countries, where poverty, cultural beliefs, and weak policies continue to push children into early work. This study explores the long-term effects of child labour on economic development, focusing on how it impacts children’s education and future workforce productivity. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 400 respondents in Ebonyi, Ezza South, and Onicha through questionnaires and focus group discussions. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used for analysis. The study is anchored on Robert Merton’s Structural Strain Theory, which explains how societal pressures can lead individuals, including children, to seek alternative (often harmful) means of survival. Findings reveal that child labour negatively affects children's school attendance and performance, and in many cases, denies them access to education entirely. This results in a large adult population with low skills, limited job opportunities, and poor productivity, weakening national economic growth. Interestingly again, the study observes that short-term adult unemployment and long-term workforce instability are among the many hidden costs of child labour. The study reiterates that stricter enforcement of existing policies, social support, and investments in education are effective ways to combat child labour and promote sustainable economic development.