Centuries of child labor left lasting spinal damage in Dutch children, study finds

A new study published in the International Journal of Paleopathology reveals that Dutch children who worked during the postmedieval period (1600s-1800s) suffered significant spinal damage, causing lifelong health issues. Researchers examined the skeletal remains of 143 children aged 4-25 who lived in rural dairy farming communities and urban industrial factories.

The study found worn-down spinal joints, bony growths on vertebrae, and disc damage in the children's spines, which are typically associated with adult degeneration due to long-term physical labor. Lead author Alex Tutwiler, a Ph.D. candidate at Leiden University, described the findings as "heartbreaking," emphasizing the emotional impact of studying the skeletal remains of these children.

The study suggests that children as young as 4 began working, often enduring 12-17 hour workdays. The most severe spinal damage was seen in children from rural dairy farms, who performed heavy labor such as hauling milk and cheese. In contrast, factory workers exhibited less severe spinal issues, similar to children from affluent nonworking households.

The study also noted that less physical activity could contribute to spinal damage, as these children spent many hours sitting and studying. Child labor has a long history in the Netherlands, with children comprising around 5% of the workforce by the 1800s. Although the practice was banned in the Netherlands, child labor remains a global issue, affecting 137.6 million children in 2024.

Tutwiler hopes to use CT scans to further investigate the effects of child labor on children's limbs.