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| Format: | Recurso digital |
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Zenodo
2026
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19715733 |
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Table of Contents:
- Child labour remains a critical social issue in Nigeria, with street hawking being a common form of economic exploitation among children. This study examined the effects of child labour on hawking children and assessed the role of social worker interventions in mitigating these risks, focusing on Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The study employed a descriptive survey design, involving 150 respondents comprising hawking children for questionnaires administration and 10 participants which were parents or guardians for in-depth interview. The study was guided by Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory and Ecological Systems Theory, which collectively emphasize that unmet basic needs and interactions within social and environmental systems significantly influence child development and well-being. Findings indicated that child hawking is on the rise, primarily driven by poverty, with most children residing in polygamous families and under the care of parents engaged in petty trading. Children reported exposure to hazards including physical assault, motor accidents, and social neglect, which adversely affected their academic performance and psychosocial development. Awareness and access to social worker support were minimal, while government policies, though existent, were largely ineffective in addressing child labour. The study concluded that poverty, inadequate parental support, and low social worker engagement perpetuate child exploitation and hinder child development. Recommendations include implementing targeted poverty alleviation programs, provision of free education, public sensitization on child labour laws, and strengthened social worker interventions. The study underscores the necessity of coordinated efforts between government, social workers, families, and communities to safeguard children's rights, promote their welfare, and ensure holistic development.