Child labour and the consequences for the integral development of children and adolescents in the las Mercedes neighbourhood of the Huaquillas City

Abstract

Introduction: Child labor has been a frequent practice in many parts of the world, including the Las Mercedes neighborhood of the Huaquillas Canton. Objective: This article aims to identify the consequences of child labor in the integral development of children and adolescents in this neighborhood. Methodology: to achieve this objective, a field research methodology was used, in which 5 in-depth interviews were applied to the officials of the ETI-MENDI project. Results: The results of the research indicated that child labor has grave consequences on the integral development of children and adolescents, including a greater probability of suffering occupational accidents and being exposed to health risks, poor school performance and less access to health services. Conclusions: it was identified that child labor has had serious emotional effects such as stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, inferring cognitive development and causing isolation and difficulties in trusting others. It has also generated situations of labour exploitation and violence, which can have long-term negative effects on adult life, such as reduced job opportunities, risk of poverty and social exclusion.