Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of child labor on cognitive abilities test and social skills. The study uses school-based survey data from 3533 Palestinian children in West Bank schools who are in primary grades (5th-9th) collected with the assistance of the Palestinian Ministry of Education. The research employs a multiple regression model after controlling several demographic variables on an individual level. The results demonstrate that child labor is significantly associated with a decrease in a child's cognitive test score in the following period (12 months). The findings varied among children according to their gender, age, and parental academic background. Child labor has a greater impact on female students, children in the lower age category (10-12 years compared to 13-16 years) and children with less educated parents. Further, the study pointed out to the correlation between child labor and increasing child's emotional, peer relations and conducts problems assessed by Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).