The US Would Boycott Child Labor?

According to a survey conducted this week, more than three-quarters of Americans would try to avoid purchasing clothes made by child laborers.

The survey was conducted by ChildFund International, and also concluded that 55% of those surveyed would pay higher prices for clothing made by adult workers, and on average would pay 34% more.

"These survey findings provide telling insight into Americans' attitudes about child labor and should help companies understand that they need not make economic choices over moral ones", says Anne Lynam Goddard, president and CEO of ChildFund. "I believe that American customers will become increasingly educated about the source of the products they purchase and begin   making more knowledgable and ethically-driven buying decisions."

On the other hand, the poll found that most Americans are grossly misinformed about the global prevalence of child labor. Although numbers have reduced in recent years, more than 150 million children still work worldwide, and 73% of responders put the number at 1 million or less.

This poll is a true eye-opener in terms of the difference between being motivated and being informed. The good news is that Americans would boycott these products, and with that in mind, a national boycott could be arranged. But even more important is being educated on these issues, because misinformation has been one of the most dangerous tools in history.