Children bring a lot of joy into many people’s lives. It’s the most amazing thing to watch them grow, and experience life for the first time. There are all kinds of milestones, and it’s a huge responsibility to see them through. Having kids is also a big life change, and it can be a lot of work. It’s worth it, though.

Children have the right to survive, to live in peace and safety, to nutrition, a name and nationality, an education, freedom from abuse and harmful detention, and to be protected by their parents, relatives, schools or communities, and the law. This right is universal – it applies to every child, regardless of their location, family or origin. It also includes all children in refugee camps, asylum seekers, or internally displaced persons.

It is the duty of governments and adults to protect all children from harmful practices, including physical and emotional violence, neglect and sexual exploitation, forced marriage and child labour. These rights are set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Governments have a duty to help families and children who cannot afford the basics. They should give children a good quality education, especially primary and secondary. Teachers should not use corporal punishment, and children must be able to express themselves freely in class. Teachers should promote tolerance of other people’s rights, cultures and differences. They should also encourage children to respect nature and protect the environment.

Every child should be able to get medical and dental care if they need it. They should be able to seek justice when they are being abused, and parents, relatives, schools or communities have a duty to report it. Children should be free to express their opinions and beliefs, unless this harms other people or affects others’ enjoyment of their rights.

Children should be protected from all forms of violence – including sexual, physical and emotional violence; torture and other cruel treatment; and arbitrary detention. They should have the right to play and enjoy recreational activities, a healthy diet, and decent housing. They should be able to travel with their parents or guardians, unless this would be harmful for them. Governments should also protect children’s privacy, and they must never publish their personal documents or information online.

It is important to understand that children have the same rights as everyone else – but they are still developing, and they don’t always behave in ways that make it easy to know what their rights are. This is why it’s important for adults and children to learn about the CRC and how to uphold and defend their rights. This is the only way that we can guarantee the best possible future for children around the world.