Young workers are often employed in conditions that threaten their health, welfare and development. Governments and international organizations therefore try to discourage child labour.
The age of entry into employment has been addressed by many countries. The ILO Convention 138 (1973) on the minimum age for employment stipulates that the permissible age of entry into employment "shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory schooling and, in any case, shall not be less than 15 years." Limited exemptions apply for light work for children aged 13 to 15 years of age and artistic performances.
The Convention defines "employment and work" as any labour performed, whether under contract or otherwise. This prevents the practice of children working in their family household, business or farm.
(United Nations,
Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Cultural and Social Rights, visited 2011-01-10)
