Nowadays, there are more and more clothing brands that use kids to work for them. This is a very big problem as kids at a young age should be in school and having lots of fun with their friends, instead, this clothing brands are ruining their childhood.

Child labour remains a pressing issue within the fast fashion industry due to various intertwined reasons. At its core lies poverty, which serves as the main driver compelling families to rely on the income generated by their children's labour. This economic necessity often arises from the low wages earned by adults, which fail to adequately sustain their families. Consequently, children are drawn into the workforce, seeking to contribute to their family's financial well-being. Their young age and lack of bargaining power make them susceptible to exploitation, as they are often willing to work for lower wages than adults.

According to the European Commission, the enforcement of labour laws designed to protect children from exploitation is often weak, particularly in regions where corruption is prevalent or where there is significant pressure from industries to maintain the current state. This lack of effective enforcement creates an environment where businesses can ignore regulations with impunity, perpetuating the cycle of child labour.

The complexity of supply chains within the garment industry further complicates efforts to eradicate child labour. These supply chains often involve numerous intermediaries, making it challenging to trace the origins of products and hold responsible parties accountable for labour violations. Additionally, subcontracting practices, particularly in informal settings, contribute to opacity within the supply chain, making it difficult to monitor and regulate labour conditions.

According to ProjectCECE, certain tasks, such as cotton picking, are particularly done by kids due to their low skill requirements and the belief that children's smaller fingers are less likely to damage crops. Additionally, children are often perceived as more obedient and easier to control than adult workers, further stimulating employers to exploit child labour.

The prevalence of child labour in the fast fashion industry has significant implications for affected children and society at large. Children engaged in labour are denied the opportunity to receive an education, limiting their opportunities and perpetuating poverty. Additionally, child labour contributes to social and economic inequality, as disadvantaged children are highly affected by exploitative labour practices.

Efforts to address child labour in the fast fashion industry require a multifaceted approach. This includes improving labour laws and ensuring their effective enforcement, particularly in regions where child labour is prevalent. Additionally, efforts should focus on promoting education and providing alternative livelihood opportunities for families reliant on child labour. Companies within the fashion industry also have a responsibility to ensure that their supply chains are free from child labour and to support ethical standards throughout their operations.

Lewis Hine, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons . Image: Lewis Hine, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons .International collaboration is crucial in addressing the root causes of child labour, such as poverty and lack of access to education. By working together, governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, and consumers can create a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry that respects the rights and dignity of all workers, including children.

According to Stop Child Labour, one of the reasons children are so vulnerable is because “there is no supervision or social control mechanisms, no unions that can help them to bargain for better working conditions. These are very low-skilled workers without a voice, so they are easy targets.” In conclusion, while child labour remains a persistent challenge within the fast fashion industry, concerted efforts are needed to address its root causes and create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.