Young Lives is a world-wide research project studying child poverty around the world, established in 2000. The project explores the issue of child labour and its benefits/harmfulness, as well as possible solutions to improve the current situation surrounding child labour. The views provide a different perspective compared to what is expressed by ‘global standards’ or conventional approaches. In poverty situations, the project suggests that rather than all child labour being wrong and harmful, there are instances when child labour away-from-home for pay has benefits for both the child and their family. It concludes that improving working conditions is more constructive than merely banning child labour altogether, and is a better response to child poverty.

Further, international interventions which seek to control child labour, such as the United Nations (UN) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, do not take into account the responsibilities of children to family and society. However, the African Union (AU), while prohibiting work that interferes with children’s development, recognises these responsibilities. International trade plays a significant role in child labour exploitation but, as research indicates, it provides social and economic benefits which are tied to children’s work.

The project highlights how children perceive the many benefits, as well as harm, associated with work, and that it is more than just providing income to their families. Socially, work improves relationship ties with family, friends and peers, and provides children with meaningful lives, by enhancing their esteem and moral status. Economically, children gain valuable skills and support their education, whilst providing a source of income for their families.

In countries such as Sudan and Ethiopia, work is an essential part of children’s lives that enables them to develop networks, help their families and save money. Research also suggests that school systems need to allow for greater flexibility to facilitate children’s work responsibilities. Successfully combining school and work can provide many benefits, as some children, continue schooling as a result of their work. In Burkino Faso, children accompany their parents working on the mines and quarries, and while they acknowledge the work is dangerous and hazardous, it is an essential response to poverty.

The appropriate approach to child labour is to listen to children’s perspectives on working problems and to work with local communities and aim to improve working conditions and schooling flexibility rather than placing a ban on children that take on work. Such an approach is seen as a vital step towards reducing extreme child poverty.

1. The worst forms of child labour need urgent action but the solution is not necessarily a ban.
2. Organisations that are working to solve the issues around child labour, including relevant frameworks, should consider the nuances around child labour in poverty stricken regions.
3. In high poverty areas, children need to work to support their families and their own lives, economically and socially.
4. Organisations that are tasked with alleviating child labour, should consider supporting child labour rather than prevent it altogether, allowing children to continue to work but within better conditions.
5. The development of support programs should improve working conditions and children's well-being to facilitate better working lives.
6. Making a commitment to bettering the working lives of children and, as a whole, to raising awareness and action recognising human rights has reputational advantages for firms.
7. Action taken against child labour should reflect the interests of the children themselves and tackle the problems affecting them currently in the workplace.