Rights of a child essay

Every child has a right and their rights should be protected. Before we can discuss the rights of a

child, but we must first understand what is the meaning of the word ‘rights’? According to the

Collins dictionary; rights are those things that one is morally or legally entitled to do or

have. The definition basically explains that they are policies that are put in place for things that

we are entitled to, e.g. the right to freely express ourselves. By understanding our rights it will

enable us to know what is right from wrong and how we should treat others or how we want

them to treat us. On the other hand rights are policies that are put in place to protect us. The

policies for the rights of a child is sheltered under the human rights policy. The policy caters to

children from the age of 18 years and younger. In the year 1991 Guyana officially signed the

rights of the child policy and to date is currently working to children’s livelihood. 

“Every child has the right to play and enjoy their youth.” In the year 1936, Jean Piaget developed

his theory on Cognitive Development. His theory showed an emphasis on how a child develops

at various stages. His theory did not only involve the child’s cognitive aspect but their social

aspects also. Children are social beings and they need to interact and enjoy their childhood. Not

only for the fun part but with stimuli from the environment that aid to develop learning. For

instance, a teacher taking his/ her class outside to look at their surroundings and identify non-

living things they see. They will be able to identify non-livings, not because the teacher told

them that it was non-living but because they had experienced it before. Through playing and

socializing a child can also develop lifetime friendship. 

Furthermore, On January 15, of this year, a six-year-old child was sexually assaulted by a 54-

year-old man. The child was placed in the care of adults who could nurture and care for her.
Instead, she was sexually assaulted in the vilest way. ‘’Every child has the right to be protected”,

As adults, we need to show love and care. This act that was done, embedded a terrible footprint

into that child’s life, and the child will always live with that memory. In many cases, situations

like this happen every day and not all children would come out and say if something this have

happened to them before. When children are aware of their rights. They will understand how

they should be treated and how laws can protect them.

Also, every child has the right has the right to be cared for in the absence of their parent or

guardian. In relating to the 6-year-old child issue. The person was entrust to take care of the

younger child. Children look up to adults as role models, thus, adults should be a good

representation with good morals and values to younger ones. Children are unable to care for

themselves and most time depends on adults. Thus, the government puts policies in place; if the

parents or guardians are unable to take care of a child they would either be placed in an

orphanage or the closest relative home, where there are security, peace, and love.

  

Moreover, a child has the right to live in a productive environment that can foster positive

behaviour and good morals. If a child grows up in an environment of neglect, failure, or anything

that represents negative behaviour would impact that child’s life. According to the nature and

nurture theory, a child's behaviour can be influenced by genes inherited or it can be influenced

by stimulus from the environment. The environment plays an important role in a child’s life, so

by creating positive enforcement will aid in them becoming successful adults. They are situations

where a child coming out from a negative environment and still turned out to be successful
adults. Two good examples of such a situation are Oprah Winfrey, Jim Carey and they are many

others. 

With good morals being instilled in a child they can grow up to be a better individual. I have

remembered a quote my mother always says to me; “Manner beings from home”. It has always

been embedded in my mind and to this day it is still there. Every child has the right to good

governance. By setting rules, having good morals and values. A home with a strong foundation

with strong moral believes. When allowing a child to be a part of the planning, they will

understand why those rules are there and If they are unable to follow then they will also be aware

of the implications. 

Finally, allowing every child to have freedom and peace is a key factor for growth. They

understand that they would have the freedom to speak without being disrespectful or the freedom

to have a toy. Parents should allow a child to have their freedom, however, they should be a

guide to allow them to make positive decisions. 

In conclusion, the rights of child policy is a voice for every individual child. Their voice should

not be hidden, a lot of issue concerning a child is either surfaced or hidden. They need to be

cared for, they need to be sheltered, educated, they need social time, they need to be heard, and

they need to be love, and most of all they need to be protected. The policies are there to govern

each stage in a child’s life. In the end, they will one day grow up to be successful adults and

would be able to pass on what was instilled upon them.