A child is a human being who has not reached the age of adulthood. According to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), children have the right to live and grow safely, with good health and education, and in freedom from abuse and neglect. Children also have the right to be protected from war, poverty, hunger, and disease. They also have the right to a happy childhood and to make their views heard.

There are many ways that children can be protected, such as ensuring that parents look after their children well and that people who care for them do not hurt them. Children can also be protected by putting laws in place that protect them. In addition, the government should provide help for children who need it. This help might include food, money or healthcare. It might also involve a lawyer or someone who can speak for them. In some countries, there are special agencies that work for children. These might have a name such as UNICEF or Save the Children.

Children need food, water and good health care. They also need a good education and to be protected from violence, neglect, and being used for illegal activities. Governments should try to give these things to all children, especially the poorest. They should also try to protect children from diseases like yaws and measles, and help them get a good job when they are older.

It is important that children are able to speak for themselves in legal cases that affect them. This means that they must be given the chance to be heard in court, either directly or through a representative. It is important that they are able to do this because it can help them to get what they need. It can also challenge assumptions that adults know what is best for children.

All children have the right to their own language, culture and religion, even if these are not shared by the majority in the country where they live. They also have the right to rest and play, as well as take part in cultural and creative activities. Governments should ensure that children have the right to information from a wide range of sources and in languages they can understand. They should not censor this information, but they should protect their privacy and home from harm.

The rights of the child are set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which all signatories of the treaty must respect and implement. This will help to ensure that all children have a happy and healthy life. Children can also be helped and guided to use their rights by their parents, teachers or other people who care for them. However, the most important thing is for governments to make sure that they are protecting all children, and not just some of them. When adults do not understand the rights of the child, it can put them at risk of abuse and exploitation.