Children’s rights for children and young people
What are children’s rights, and what should I, as a child or young person, know about them? How are children’s rights applied in Finland, and what should I do if my rights are violated?
Every child has the right to a good life
All children and young people are important and valuable. That is why there is a special agreement that protects the rights of children and young people and ensures that every child can live a safe and happy life. This agreement is known as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The aim of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is to secure the right to a good life for every child and young person. The Convention entered into force in Finland in 1991 and applies to all children and young people under the age of 18. The purpose of the Convention is to ensure that every child receives the support they need, and the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive environment.
General principles
The Convention is interpreted through its general principles, which are:
- non-discrimination,
- the best interests of the child as a primary consideration,
- the right to life, survival and development, and
- the right to be heard.
What do children’s rights entail?
Like human rights, which are rights that belong to everyone, children’s rights belong to every child, and they are intended to protect children’s wellbeing and development.
When children’s rights are realised, a child:
- grows up in a loving and safe home,
- is treated fairly and equally with others,
- can share their thoughts and is listened to,
- is safe from violence and bullying,
- has both freedom and clear boundaries,
- can play, rest and learn new things,
- has personal space and privacy,
- can build a relationship with their parents, unless it is against the best interests of the child, and
- knows their own rights.
Examples of children’s rights in everyday life:
A child has the right to grow up in a safe environment. This right seeks to ensure that a child does not have to fear violence, bullying or other mistreatment. If a child or young person feels unsafe or frightened, they can always speak about it to a teacher, a parent/guardian or another trusted adult, for example.
Those responsible for a child’s care, such as parents or other guardians, also have the right to receive support when they need it. This helps to ensure that a child’s wellbeing is looked after in the best possible way.
Read more:
Children have the right to say what they think and feel. Children should be allowed to express their opinions and ask questions without fear that they will not be listened to. Children’s thoughts and wishes should be listened to and taken into account. This right also applies in the case of decisions being made about matters affecting a child. It will not always be possible to act in line with the child’s view, but it is still important for the adult making the decision to explain to the child why not.
Read more:
- Respecting children’s views
- The Convention on the Rights of the Child: Article 12, Article 13, Article 14, Article 15, Article 17
Children have the right to attend school and to learn new things. They should have the opportunity to attend school, regardless of their background or the family they live in, for example. Sometimes school can feel difficult; in that case, help can be sought from teachers, a school nurse or classmates, for example. By asking for help, it is possible to find ways to make learning easier and more enjoyable.
Read more:
- The Convention on the Rights of the Child: Article 28
Children have the right to play and to enjoy their leisure time. Leisure time can take many forms: being active outdoors, spending time with friends, taking part in hobbies or having quiet time alone. Play and games are important, they allow children to develop their imagination and learn to co-operate and solve problems.
Play is not only enjoyable but an important way of learning new things. Leisure time supports relaxation and helps children to discover and explore their own interests.
Read more:
- The Convention on the Rights of the Child: Article 31
Explore the Children's Rights for Children website!
The Children’s Rights for Children website Lapsenoikeudetlapsille.fi provides children and young people of different ages with practical information about what rights they have and what those rights mean in their everyday lives. They can explore their rights through information cards and quizzes, or by asking questions about children’s rights directly to children’s rights experts. Explore the new website!
Children’s rights support their development now and in the future
Children’s rights are much more than words on paper. They are matters that affect a child’s everyday life and support their development. These rights help to create an environment in which all children and young people can learn, play, try new things and feel that they are valued.
The right to be heard, the right to education, the right to play and the right to safety are fundamental in helping children develop as people. However, it is important to remember that the fulfilment of these rights is not guaranteed. We must all ensure that children and young people of today and of the future are able to play, study, take part in hobbies and grow up surrounded by safe people.