Public awareness and sensitization: Education to combat child labor in Mexico

Abstract

The eradication of child labor in Mexico requires strengthened public awareness and effective sensitization. Education is key to making this problem visible and promoting respect for children’s rights. The objective of this publication is to analyze public awareness and sensitization in Education to combat child labor in Mexico. It is a study carried out at the Autonomous University of Tamaulipas with 203 students of the Bachelor of Law, a quantitative approach was used to analyze knowledge and perceptions about public awareness and child labor. The results reveal that, although 85.2% of students have knowledge about laws against child labor, there is a gap in their application in educational strategies and campaigns. 83.7% consider the role of universities to be vital in this issue, although only 36.5% perceive a strong government commitment. The conclusion highlights the need for comprehensive educational programs that connect theory and practice, reinforcing the university function as an agent of change. A strategic collaboration between educational institutions, government and civil society could strengthen actions to eradicate child labor, through the implementation of public policies with a human rights perspective in favor of Mexican children.