Abstract
Child labour can deprive children of the right to a normal childhood and impair their productivity and earning capacity in later life. The relationship between child labour and cognitive development is central to these effects but has not yet been a focus of empirical research. Using panel data from Ethiopia and applying an instrumental variables estimator, we find a strong association of cognitive development with the amount of time previously spent by children on income-generating work, and with the amount of time spent on household chores. Existing levels of child labour in Ethiopia are thus demonstrably harmful.
Original language | English |
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Article number | m1785 |
Journal | The BMJ |
Volume | 370 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 3 Jul 2020 |