Why Teach Children’s Rights?

By ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Child (CRC) a country agrees to strive to make the Convention widely known by both adults and children (Article 42.). Moreover, the CRC prescribes that the education of the child should be directed to: “the development of respect for human rights and fundamental freedom” as well as “the preparation of the child for a responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes, and friendship among all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin.” …as it reads in Article 29 of the CRC. Thus, by teaching children’s rights in your class you will contribute to fulfilling the international obligations that your country has agreed to. In some countries, you will be able to find these obligations reflected in national legislation, guidelines, and rules.

Even more importantly, your teaching in children’s rights will assist your students in knowing their rights and make them understand how they should be treated, and how to treat others.

Education in children’s rights will create space for your students to explore, discuss, challenge, and develop their own opinions and values. It can help your students to develop respect and understanding for others, build tolerance for diverse views and appearances, build skills to engage in social relations and in democratic communities, as well as to take responsibility for and act to realise their potential in life.

Your students can use these skills in the classroom, but also more generally in school, at home, and in their future lives.

Furthermore, teaching children’s rights helps to reduce bullying, promote children’s self-esteem, make children more resistant to sexual and violent abuse, and pave the way for their democratic participation.