A child is any human who has not reached adulthood, typically considered to be someone between the ages of an infant and a teenager. In most cultures, children have fewer legal rights than adults and are generally classified as incapable of making serious decisions on their own. In some societies, they are subject to a rite of passage that marks the transition to adulthood and may have other restrictions placed on them, such as having an age-appropriate sex partner or not participating in certain activities.
A wide range of views on the nature and role of children exist in the world today. For example, in some societies, a child is seen as a gift from God that should be treated with great care and attention. However, in other societies, a child is considered a source of shame and often viewed as an undesirable, unproductive member of society.
In a Christian context, the Bible sees children as physical, moral, spiritual, cognitive, emotional and social beings who are made in the image and likeness of God (Psalm 139:13-16). Children should be nurtured within families and communities of faith that provide them with love, support and the opportunity to learn about Christ. The Bible also teaches that every child has an inalienable right to a healthy start in life, access to quality education and adequate resources for the realization of his or her full potential.
Stories have long played a vital part in the development of children. They can teach kids about the value of truth and the importance of keeping promises. They can also help develop a sense of imagination and a love for reading. The late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were known as the Golden Age of Children’s Literature, when many of the most beloved classics were published.
Children can be subjected to a wide variety of risks, including disease and malnutrition, which can lead to stunted growth and impaired mental health. They are also vulnerable to war and natural disasters, and many are victims of extreme forms of violence, exploitation and abuse, such as sexual, physical and emotional violence and trafficking.
Many agencies work to improve the lives of children, including the United Nations Children’s Fund and UN Human Rights. They advocate for global commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which embodies universal ethical principles and international legal standards of behavior toward children.
Millions of children worldwide live in poverty, lack access to education and are exposed to harmful practices such as child labour and forced marriage. Countless others are at risk of dying from diseases, and are victims of hunger, natural disasters and HIV/AIDS. Millions more are trapped in situations of sex trafficking, violence and slavery. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes a target to eradicate extreme forms of violence against children. This is a noble goal, but much work remains to be done. Please join us in working to achieve this.