Children in the colony were convicted
children, children of convicted women, free-born children during the voyage or
born as a native Australians.
Although
not very common, children ranging from seven years and up could be criminally
charged if it was confirmed that the child knew right from wrong. 15 % of those
sent to Australia were under 18 years, some even as young as nine.
Young girls were committed to work as servants for the settlers or in a Female Factory. Because these girls were considered particularly vulnerable due to their sexuality, and were in need of protection, orphanages for girls were established. It was not until 1818 that a juvenile section was opened for young boys who were too young to carry out any labour. Here they were provided with a moral re-education through religious instruction, industrial training and corporal punishment.
Education and labour
Education and proper schooling had very little government assistance in the early colony, and children were not being educated. As free settlers started to immigrate to New South Wales in the 1830's, due to the discovery of gold, more institutions for children were taken into use. The men were often away searching for gold, while the mother stayed in the colony to care for the children. Boarding-school also became common, but only for those who could afford it.
Young girls were committed to work as servants for the settlers or in a Female Factory. Because these girls were considered particularly vulnerable due to their sexuality, and were in need of protection, orphanages for girls were established. It was not until 1818 that a juvenile section was opened for young boys who were too young to carry out any labour. Here they were provided with a moral re-education through religious instruction, industrial training and corporal punishment.
Education and labour
Education and proper schooling had very little government assistance in the early colony, and children were not being educated. As free settlers started to immigrate to New South Wales in the 1830's, due to the discovery of gold, more institutions for children were taken into use. The men were often away searching for gold, while the mother stayed in the colony to care for the children. Boarding-school also became common, but only for those who could afford it.
The poor, who were often convict
families, had to rely on child labour to make the family economy to go around.
Young girls would take part in domestic chores or baby-sit younger children,
while the boys worked in the family business, as messengers or sold
everyday items on the streets like flowers or newspapers. Factories, like the Female Factory,
would also hire young children for food possessing, making fabrics, etc. This
often gave girls an alternative to domestic chores.
It wasn't until the end of the 19th century that child labour became regulated through government legislation. Working hours for children were then restricted to encourage school attendance.
It wasn't until the end of the 19th century that child labour became regulated through government legislation. Working hours for children were then restricted to encourage school attendance.
- Lise, NKI Nettstudent
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