There is a view that if children are engaged in paid work, it is beneficial for them in several ways, but some people consider that there are more downsides to this trend, making such labour harmful. In my opinion, there are more positive aspects of this idea, especially in terms of experience and financial benefit.
From one angle, it could be harmful for children to do paid work both mentally and physically. Usually, paid work becomes too demanding or time-consuming, a fact that negatively impacts children’s academic performance. In this case, they may have less time for homework and attending school, which interferes with their education. As for the physical aspects, some types of work can be labour-intensive, leading to exhaustion, stress and potentially serious injuries if a significant amount of work is involved. This, in turn, can have a significantly adverse effect on their physical health, which would trigger chronic diseases in the future. Regarding mental implications, children’s social development could be affected. For example, if children work long hours, they also have less time for playing, socializing with their peers and engaging in other age-appropriate activities. All of these indicate how negative impacts can affect children in different ways.
From another angle, I think working could be a reasonable idea, meaning there are far more benefits to this. Firstly, when children work, they can feel a sense of responsibility and independence. In other words, earning their own money can teach them how to value hard work, which possibly prepares them for future financial constraints in various circumstances thanks to the vast experience gained at work. Along with acquired experience, children also explore interests, meaning paid work often provides opportunities for youngsters to explore different job fields and allow them to discover their passions. Secondly, the money earned at work can be used to cover personal expenses, contribute to savings and support their family in the case of financial hardships. For example, when I was a child studying at school, I used to work in a biscuit factory, which was a few blocks away from my home. During three months of work in my summer holiday, I would save much for the upcoming school season, purchasing all of my clothes and school tools, a factor that helped my family save money on other needs and expenses. In addition to these advantages, children can improve their communication skills when they meet and work with various customers and colleagues in different spheres. As a result, they learn the most effective way to treat other people in a constructive way, which would be a vital component of today’s most sought-after skill by employers and global corporations.
To conclude, despite the disadvantages of working, including physical and mental damage, there are more advantages of this trend for youngsters, especially the opportunity to develop a sense of responsibility and improved communication skills.