The French historian Philippe Aries has suggested that childhood is not a natural phenomenon but is instead a product of society. He examined gravestones, paintings, furniture, and school records to determine the extent to which children were treated as mini adults. He concluded that childhood should be protected from child exploitation and abuse. Children should always be under the care of an adult with the authority to make serious decisions for them. Child protection laws are designed to ensure that children are not harmed by adults.
Liberals argue that the state should avoid promoting a specific conception of good. However, religious believers may argue that children are better taught character traits in their religions. This position is based on the principle that a child does not have a choice and does not have an independent will. This approach is viewed by some as discriminatory. But in reality, both sides believe that child-centered policies are better than those that focus on individual rights and freedoms.
Children are vulnerable to armed conflict in many countries. Even though their survival depends on their well-being, they are still subject to many hazards. One of these dangers is a lack of health care. In the US, more than half of children are undernourished. The same is true for children in developing countries. However, with the development of penicillin and other medicines, these problems can be addressed. The benefits of a free education for children are enormous and must be pursued by all nations.
Another problem with limiting the rights of children is that they lack the capacity to make rational choices. While adults can make wise decisions, children are incapable of making them. As such, their decisions in childhood can affect the rest of their lives. It is important to realize that decisions made in childhood are often irreversible. Thus, it is important to secure the pre-conditions for freedom of choice for children. The more choices children have, the better their future is.
The UNCRC uses language of positive rights for children, but this is not the same as moral rights. In addition to the UNCRC’s exemplary statement of children’s rights, children have been subjected to various kinds of philosophical discussion and criticism. These debates reveal the moral status of children and the nature of rights. These arguments have influenced the development of laws, which are aimed at protecting children. However, the UNCRC itself is a valuable document that should be read and implemented by every country.
Moral relativism is another problem that has emerged in the debate over what is best for children. Although Western societies and single cultures share broad understandings of what is in the best interests of children, there is still a great deal of disagreement on the best way to raise children. This disagreement has its defenders, but it has also been documented to have problems. Most moral philosophers have acknowledged this issue. So, despite the widespread disagreements, moral relativism should not be used as a legal basis.