Opinion: CHILD VENDORS

8 November 2021

The decision of the government to undertake a review of the issue of child street vendors is most welcome. Even though there is legislation and guidelines in place to monitor and address this situation, it appears the enforcement of such regulations has fallen by the wayside. We have all been approached by street vendors, some are quite aggressive and even cheeky. Others are simply street wise. However all are vulnerable.

As a basic principle, there is nothing wrong with children working to earn some pocket money. It helps build independence, appreciate values and life skills as well as providing a few tala. It is also acceptable, even encouraged for children to work to earn income to help others or for charitable purposes.

Again great life lessons as well as generosity and selfless application of time and skill. So if children are out selling goods to earn some money to supplement the family income, what can be wrong? Well, a number of things. Firstly is assumes that the parents, guardians and other adults of the family are contributing to the family table.

In other words, the "family" as a whole is prioritised, not bingo, social life, drinking or even excessive church obligations. If children supplement that income fine but they should not be considered the bread winners of the family. It also assumes that children undertake to work in their spare time and of their own free will. Children should never be forced to work and never to be on the streets during school time.

Surely this alone is easy to monitor.

Finally and perhaps most importantly, children should never be placed in situations of danger. Children should never be on the streets after dark and should be banned from the proximity of bars and night clubs. So while the concept of children working is worthy, the purpose of their income and the time, location and situation of their being on the streets needs to be carefully policed. The enforcement of child protection and street vendor laws can also be difficult.

Parents may be absent or simply not care. Penalizing them through fines or some form of detention exacerbates the situation of a family already suffering.

Perhaps all forms of street vendors under say 16 years of age should be banned. Certainly it should be prohibited during school times and after dark. Regardless, the key is enforcement of regulations and protection of children's welfare.