Children's Rights
ms Giselle Grimmer
Everyone under 18 years of age has all the rights in this Convention.
The Convention applies to everyone, whatever their race, religion, abilities; whatever they think or say, whatever type of family they come from.
Families who live in different countries should be allowed to move between those countries so that parents and children can stay in contact, or get back together as a family. Governments should take steps to stop children being taken out of their own country illegally. Children have the right to say what they think should happen, when adults are making decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account. Children have the right to get and to share information, as long as the information is not damaging to them or to others. Children have the right to think and believe what they want, and to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Parents should guide their children on these matters
Children have the right to reliable information from the mass media. Television, radio, and newspapers should provide information that children can understand, and should not promote materials that could harm children.Both parents share responsibility for bringing up their children, and should always consider what is best for each child. Governments should help parents by providing services to support them, especially if both parents work.
Children have the right to think and believe what they want, and to practise their religion, as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Parents should guide their children on these matters.Children have the right to meet together and to join groups and organisations, as long as this does not stop other people from enjoying their rights.
Children have the right to say what they think should happen, when adults are making decisions that affect them, and to have their opinions taken into account. Both parents share responsibility for bringing up their children, and should always consider what is best for each child. Governments should help parents by providing services to support them, especially if both parents work.Both Children’s rights are a special case because many of the rights laid down in the Convention on the Rights of the Child have to be provided by adults or the state. However, the Convention also refers to the responsibilities of children, in particular to respect the rights of others, especially their parents Here are some suggestions of the responsibilities that could accompany rights… If every child, regardless of their sex, ethnic origin, social status, language, age, nationality or religion has these rights, then they also have a responsibility to respect each other in a humane way. If children have a right to be protected from conflict, cruelty, exploitation and neglect, then they also have a responsibility not to bully or harm each other. If children have a right to a clean environment, then they also have a responsibility to do what they can to look after their environment.
Children who break the law should not be treated cruelly. They should not be put in prison with adults and should be able to keep in contact with their families.Children who are accused of breaking the law should receive legal help. Prison sentences for children should only be used for the most serious offences.Children who have been neglected or abused should receive special help to restore their self-respect.
All children and young people have a right to a primary education, which should be free. Wealthy countries should help poorer countries achieve this. Discipline in schools should respect children’s human dignity. Young people should be encouraged to reach the highest level of education they are capable of.Children who cannot be looked after by their own family must be looked after properly, by people who respect their religion, culture and language.
Children should not be separated from their parents unless it is for their own good. For example, if a parent is mistreating or neglecting a child. Children whose parents have separated have the right to stay in contact with both parents, unless this might hurt the child.