Abstract:
Child labor is seen as a major social problem in the modern society. This problem is a global problem
that is linked to poverty, limited education, gender, equality and various health issues (UNICEF,
2013). Child labor is a vulnerable group. Child labor is caused by family economic responsibilities
and social impacts. The effectiveness of measures against child labor is also low. The health and
occupational safety of child labor can have a number of negative consequences. As far as Sri Lanka is
concerned, the number of child laborers in the informal industry is high. In that sense, this study is a
characteristic study of the formation of child labor in the Jaffna district and the social and
occupational health problems they face. Secondary data were collected through textbooks, journals,
government reports, and Internet files, along with subject analysis, in-depth interview, focus group
discussion, and direct observation to collect characteristic data. The collected characteristic data are
analyzed by thematic analysis. In that regard, parental disability, permanent parental unemployment
and family poverty are the main factors in the formation of child labor and discrimination and
exclusion have been identified as social problems. Occupational health problems have found that
these young workers are exposed to physical harm in their workplace, such as physical injuries and
illness, as well as psychological damage such as insomnia and memory loss. The life experiences of
the children are invaluable. The duty to educate the children should be seen by all. We need to
identify child laborers and pave the way for them to get a re-education and help their families.
Education is free for everyone in our country. Children from all walks of life should be able to enjoy
this boon without any hindrance. Highlighting such issues, the study examines the reasons for the
formation of child labor and the social and occupational health issues they face.
