Overview

• IBGE estimates 1.65 million children and adolescents in child labor in 2024, up 2.1% (34,000) year over year to 4.3% of ages 5–17, yet 21.4% below 2016.
• The most hazardous roles on the Lista TIP fell to 560,000 (−5.1% year over year) and informality among working 16–17‑year‑olds dropped to a record low 69.4%.
• Work is concentrated among 16–17‑year‑olds (915,000) and disproportionately affects boys (66%) and Black or mixed‑race youth (~66%); average monthly earnings were R$845 with gender and racial gaps.
• The Northeast had the largest contingent (547,000), with increases in the Northeast (+7.2%) and South (+13.6%) and a sharp decline in the North (−12.1%).
• Commerce drove the rise (359,000; 30.2% of cases), while Bolsa Família households showed higher incidence (5.2% or 717,000) even as the gap narrowed; school attendance was lower among child workers (88.8% overall, 81.8% at 16–17).