Child Labour during the Industrial Revolution

Front

Child labour became a big social problem during the Industrial Revolution.

Back

Many children worked in factories because families needed money.

Front

Children worked long hours in dangerous conditions.

Back

Factory jobs were often unsafe and poorly paid.

Front

Children had small fingers, making them suitable for certain factory tasks.

Back

They often operated machines better than adults.

Front

Some children worked under machines to clean them.

Back

This was a dangerous task that sometimes led to accidents.

Front

Children who didn't work in factories had other jobs.

Back

They sold flowers, newspapers, or cleaned shoes and chimneys.

Front

Orphans often became thieves with the help of older criminals.

Back

They lacked homes and families, making life difficult.

Front

Dr. Thomas Barnardo opened the first home for poor boys in 1870.

Back

He provided food and a warm place to stay for them.

Front

Some poor children attended 'Dame' schools.

Back

A kind woman taught them reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Front

Churches and charities organized 'ragged' schools.

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These schools were for very poor children and orphans.

Front

In 1870, the British government passed the Education Act.

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It required children aged five to ten to attend school.