How Governments Can Help Children

Children are humans who have not reached adulthood. They have fewer rights than adults, but they can still make important decisions like what school to go to. They have a lot of energy and they may play in ways that seem silly to adults, like throwing a temper tantrum. The word child comes from the Old English cild, meaning “child, infant.” This definition is still in use today. People who are considered children usually have parents that look after them and care for them.

Parents have a responsibility to teach children how to behave and what is right and wrong. They should also protect children from violence, abuse and neglect. If a parent is dead or unable to care for a child, another adult will be responsible for bringing them up and is called a guardian. Governments must ensure that children can get information about their world in ways they can understand, such as through the Internet, radio and television, newspapers and books. They must also make sure children can speak freely and share what they think, feel and believe, as long as it does not harm other people.

Millions of children live in countries with war and other kinds of armed conflict. These children are at great risk of being killed, injured or separated from their families. They also face many other threats, such as poverty. Governments must do everything they can to help these children have a better life and reach their full potential.

In many parts of the world, children have to walk miles to get clean drinking water and are not able to afford nutritious food. They need access to education so they can learn valuable skills, and they need health services so they can stay healthy. Governments must do what they can to improve the lives of children, and they should work with others to make this happen.

The UN system is there to support children and their parents, teachers and caregivers. Its programs include focusing on education, working to abolish child labor and eradicating diseases that affect children. The UN is also there to help children when they are in danger.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to give every child a chance to thrive, no matter where they are born or what they look like. This goal will not be easy to achieve, but it is crucial if we are to end extreme poverty, provide universal primary education and reduce child deaths. All societies have a stake in making this happen.