Silent suffering of online ‘labor children’
A child psychologist criticized the profit-seeking and exploitation of children in cyberspace by some parents.
“The psychological consequences inflicted on these children will have lasting effects,” warns Parisa Yaseminejad, according to ISNA.
She argues that the term “child labor” typically refers to children who are forced to work under the legal age in order to contribute to their family’s income. She states that engaging children in activities solely for the purpose of generating income, which ultimately benefits the family or parents, is a clear example of child abuse.
She also highlights the troubling impact on the minds of children involved in labor, and criticizes the recent trend of parents seeking profit from their children in cyberspace, noting that the psychological consequences will persist throughout these children’s lives. She points out that there is no conceptual difference between a child working online with a polished appearance and a disorderly-looking child engaging in work activities on the streets.
“Both cases can be classified as child labor.”
Yaseminejad argues that children’s activities in cyberspace, aimed at earning money, will inevitably cause psychological harm.
“The psychological traumas experienced by these children will not only affect their future mental health but also transcend their age.”
She then underlines that virtual child labor represents a new form of exploitation and abuse, defining child abuse as any parental behavior that inflicts physical or psychological damage upon the child.
She asserts that the primary motivation behind children’s engagement in virtual spaces is income generation.
“Unfortunately, these children become mere tools for their families to generate income.”
She further notes that some families exploit their children for fame and visibility, using them as vehicles to satisfy their own desires, even if they suffer from mental illnesses.
The psychologist cautions that the psychological damage inflicted on working children is not easily remedied.
“It requires years of time and energy from a psychologist to reduce this damage, and cannot be resolved through a few counseling sessions.”