What term describes the exploitative employment of children in an industry?

The term that describes the exploitative employment of children in an industry is "child labour." This term specifically refers to the practice where children are engaged in work that deprives them of their childhood, potential, and dignity. It often interferes with their education and can be harmful to their physical and mental development.

Child labour is particularly concerning in industries that demand long hours of work under hazardous conditions and for very low wages. It is recognized globally as a serious violation of children's rights and is addressed by various international conventions, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Labour Organization's standards.

The other terms mentioned may involve aspects of youth engagement in the workforce but do not specifically encapsulate the unethical and exploitative nature of child labour in the same way. Underage employment might suggest hiring individuals who are below the legal working age, which may not always imply exploitation. Youth exploitation can describe a broader range of abuses perpetrated against young people in various contexts, not exclusively focused on employment. Child trafficking refers to the illegal trade of children for various purposes, including forced labor and sexual exploitation, which is distinct from the concept of child labour itself.