Tourist money is a total contradiction. It can be a provider of opportunities, the backbone of development in communities and a ladder upon which people may climb out of poverty. It can also tear communities apart, abuse vulnerable members of society and create conditions of inequitable dependency that benefit only those who exploit others.

One striking example of this is the existence of street children.

Tourist destinations in developing countries create an almost gravitational pull for children and adolescents who are severely impoverished. Tourist areas are seen as reaping higher rewards and so are favoured amongst runaway children, child traffickers, orphans and homeless parents who use their children as a financial means.

If you have travelled in a developing country you will have no doubt been approached by an impoverished child begging for money or encouraging you to buy a souvenir. It is extremely hard to look into the eye of a poor child and deny them a few cents, but you must be aware of the bigger picture and the effect that we cause and proliferate as tourists when we hand over cash to street children.

As tourists when we give money to street children we may be perpetuating this vicious cycle of relapse back onto the street. We may be providing a world of temptation for children who already have a huge struggle ahead in regaining normality and prospects going forward in their lives. In terms of the ills that flow from giving money to street children the Mirror Foundation claims that if tourists would stop giving to child beggars for just a year, at least 1000 children would be off the streets and in school…

It must be considered that each tourist destination is subject to differences and a decision to give to begging children will ultimately be made instantly on the street itself. However we must be aware that factors behind the scene distort an apparent simple decision. The Mirror Foundation for example has found that around 80% of child beggars in Thailand come from Cambodia, and at least a third of them are being controlled and exploited by an adult.

What can you do on your next holiday?

- Do not give money to street children.
- Donate to a local street child charity- where there are street children there will be an organisation working to help them. They are the experts and will be able to give you advice or enable you to make a donation.
- Advise other tourists of the effects they cause when they give money to street children.
- Giving food and gifts directly to street children may seem like a better alternative to giving money but be aware that food or clothes may be sold and gang leaders who control the smaller children will undoubtedly claim a right to anything valuable.
- Children leaving school early is a main cause of homelessness. Donations to organisations that sponsor the education of children help to prevent vulnerable children becoming homeless.