AN EVALUATION OF CHILD LABOUR ON PUNCTUALITY AND STUDY HABITS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS (A CASE STUDY OF ETI OSA, LAGOS)

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY Child abuse is one of the most challenging social catastrophes attracting public attention the world over (Alokan & Olatunji, 2014). According to Moss and Moss (1999) child abuse is any act of omission by parents, guardians or any caregivers that results in nonaccidental physical or mental injury, or sexual abuse. In addition, Denga and Denga (2007) state that cruel behaviour on children by teachers, parents, peers, guardians, siblings and the society in general constitute child abuse. The researchers observe that Swaziland is not spared of this evil phenomenon, hence the need to carry out a study of this nature. Child abuse takes place in the home environment, at school, in church, hospitals, orphanages and in any place; public or private. In the light of this therefore, Augustine and Abubaker (2016) lamented that there is no safe place for children anymore because child abuse is rampant everywhere. Children are special link between the present and future generation, they are a pride of every parent. Childhood is a stage, every child goes through in life, where they are generally regarded as not able to make serious decisions, and legally must always be under the care of a responsible adult. According to Orazen (2003) childhood is a phase of life when a child is free from all tension, fun-loving, plays and learns new things, and is also the sweetheart of the family. From the researcher’s observation, not all children go through the beautiful stage of childhood; most children went through this period in full tension and burden, made to work to help in maintaining their families. This is called child labour. Child labour is a complex phenomenon, mostly common in rural areas of African and Asian countries. According to Ehiemere (2000), child labour constituted street hawking, farm work and domestic chores such as taking care of babies, fetching water and firewood, preparing and cooking food, individual cleanliness and washing. Most of the research findings stated earlier airmed that child’s labour age to be under fieen to eighteen years of age as most aected. Therefore, the present study considering the family background of the people in Niger State (farmers), will identify child labour age to be between nine and fourteen years of age. This is in addition to their ability to assist their family physically and financially