A child is a young person, male or female, who has not yet reached adulthood. In modern English, the word comes from the Old English cild, which means “child, infant.” Children are typically older than babies but younger than teens. They often have a distinctive appearance and may have immature behavior, such as throwing tantrums.

In many cultures, children are seen as precious treasures who need to be protected. They are seen as the bearers of God’s creative plan and have the potential to know and worship Him. They are expected to honour their parents, grow in faith and contribute to the community of believers. They are seen as a special gift from God and should be nurtured in family and church life.

For the most part, children have inalienable rights to a good start in life, an education and a secure childhood that will help them develop into healthy and well-adjusted adults. But millions of children around the world are denied these basic opportunities – because of their place of birth or family, or their race, or ethnicity, or gender; or because they live in poverty, or have a disability.

The International Convention on the Rights of the Child defines a child as any person below the age of 18 years. Its definition is intentionally broad in order to include all people whose lives require protection and support from violence and neglect, as well as to provide a framework for the universal application of the principles contained in the Convention.

Educators can teach children to read by reading with them, telling them stories, and encouraging them to look at pictures and letters. They can also learn words by listening to songs and music, watching television and movies, and talking about the things they see in their environment (e.g., the names of places on maps). Encourage them to follow directions in a game of hide-and-seek or geocaching, and to find their way through the zoo or museum.

Teaching children to be kind starts early, when they are able to understand the concept of sharing and taking turns. By age 4, they can be quite empathetic towards others and, in some cases, will offer an apology without being told. They will also be able to recognise acts of kindness, for example, when a driver slows down to allow them to exit an intersection at busy times.

Children are a source of joy and hope for the future, but they are also a challenge to our world’s ideals and values. They must be provided with the opportunity to thrive if the world is to become a better, safer and more prosperous place for everyone. The plight of children has become the focus of global concern, and a key element of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It is an urgent priority to ensure that every child can enjoy his or her right to a safe, happy and fulfilling childhood.