<P> Child labour has existed to varying extents , through most of history . During the 19th and early 20th centuries , many children aged 5 -- 14 from poorer families still worked in Europe , the United States and various colonies of European powers . These children mainly worked in agriculture , home - based assembly operations , factories , mining and in services such as news boys . Some worked night shifts lasting 12 hours . With the rise of household income , availability of schools and passage of child labour laws , the incidence rates of child labour fell . </P>
<P> Child labour has existed to varying extents , through most of history . During the 19th and early 20th centuries , many children aged 5 -- 14 from poorer families still worked in Europe , the United States and various colonies of European powers . These children mainly worked in agriculture , home - based assembly operations , factories , mining and in services such as news boys . Some worked night shifts lasting 12 hours . With the rise of household income , availability of schools and passage of child labour laws , the incidence rates of child labour fell . </P>
how long has child labor been going on
how long has child labor been going on
through most of history
through most of history