Child

A child (plural children) is a human being between the stages of birth and puberty. This means they are young people who are still growing and developing. Sometimes, the word "child" can also refer to an unborn human being.

In many countries, the law defines a child as someone who is younger than the age considered an adult. This age can change depending on the place, but it usually means the person is not old enough to make certain serious decisions or take on adult responsibilities. Because of this, children generally have fewer rights and responsibilities than adults.

The word "child" can also describe a relationship with a parent, like being a son or daughter, no matter how old they are. It can also be used in other ways, such as talking about someone being strongly shaped by their surroundings, like "a child of nature."

Biological, legal and social definitions

In biology, a child is a person from birth until they reach puberty. Legally, a child is usually someone who has not yet reached the age of majority, which is the age when a person is considered an adult under the law.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child says a child is anyone under 18 years old, unless the law in their country says they become adults sooner. This idea is supported by most countries around the world. Sometimes, laws use different ages to define a child. For example, in Singapore, a child is legally someone under 14, while the age of majority is 21. In U.S. Immigration Law, a child is anyone under 21.

The word child can also include a fetus, which means an unborn baby. In some cultures, a child is seen as an adult after completing a special ceremony called a rite of passage, which might happen before or after puberty.

Children usually have fewer rights than adults and are not expected to make big decisions on their own. They are legally required to be cared for by a responsible adult, even if their parents are separated or divorced.

Developmental stages of childhood

Early childhood starts after infancy and includes toddlerhood, when children begin to talk and walk on their own. This stage continues until about age 5 or 6. During early childhood, kids learn by watching, trying new things, and talking with others. Adults help guide their growth, and children form close bonds with caregivers. This is also when many children start preschool or kindergarten and begin to socialise more.

Middle childhood lasts from about ages 7 to 9 or 10. It’s a time when children grow in many ways, making friends, learning new skills, and starting school. Some children may face challenges like autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, or ADHD. Special programs are available to support children with these needs. During this time, children also start to take on more responsibilities and learn from their friends and family.

Preadolescence, or late childhood, is the period from about ages 9 to 12, just before puberty begins. Kids at this age see the world more realistically and start to think more independently. They may notice that adults aren’t perfect and begin to form their own sense of self. This can be a time of new feelings and changes as they prepare for the teenage years.

Developmental stages post-childhood

Adolescence

Adolescence is the time between when puberty starts and when a person becomes a legal adult. This usually happens during the teenage years, from about 13 to 19 years old. However, puberty often begins a bit earlier, around age 10 or 11 for girls and 11 or 12 for boys. Even though biologically a child is someone from birth up until puberty, adolescents are still legally seen as children. They usually don’t have all the rights of adults and are often required to go to school. During adolescence, people go through many changes in their bodies, feelings, and behaviors. When adolescence ends and adulthood begins depends on the country and the situation.

History

Main article: History of childhood

During the European Renaissance, artists began to paint children more often.

In the 1600s, the idea of childhood began to form in Europe. The English philosopher John Locke taught that children’s minds start blank and parents teach them right from wrong.

As capitalism grew, families focused more on raising children with spiritual values.

The modern idea of childhood began in the 1700s. Jean Jacques Rousseau described childhood as a peaceful time. Artists like Joshua Reynolds painted children to show their innocence.

As industrialisation began, many children worked in factories and mines. This led to campaigns for legal protections. British reformers pushed for laws to stop the exploitation of children.

By the late 19th century, the modern view of childhood emerged. School became mandatory. The 20th century brought more focus on children’s happiness, with activities helping boys develop skills.

Today, childhood is often seen as a time of joy and learning. The idea of a “loss of innocence” is common. Stories explore this theme, while characters represent a childhood that never ends.

Healthy childhoods

Role of parents

Main article: Parenting

Children's health

Keeping children healthy means giving them good food, helping them get enough sleep and exercise, and making sure they are safe. Sadly, in some parts of the world, children don’t get enough healthy food and can get sick.

Child protection

It’s important to keep children safe from harm. This means stopping things that could hurt them. The world has rules to protect children’s rights and keep them safe.

Play

Play is very important for children. It helps them learn, grow, and stay healthy. When children play, they can run, jump, and climb, which keeps their bodies strong. They also learn about friends, sharing, and solving problems. Play lets kids use their imagination and be creative. Playing with others helps children make friends and learn how to get along with people.

Play is so important that it is considered a right for every child. Teachers can use play to help children learn in fun ways. However, not all children have the same chances to play. Children from families with less money might not have as many books or computers to help them learn and grow.

Street culture

Children often create their own world when they play outside. This is common for kids between seven and twelve years old, especially in cities where they can play on the streets without adults watching too closely. They use backstreets, parks, playgrounds, and even empty spaces for their games and fun. Even places that seem ordinary to adults can be special and full of meaning to children. With more time spent indoors watching TV or playing video games, there are worries that children won’t have as many chances to enjoy outdoor play.

Geographies of childhood

The geographies of childhood looks at how adults think about and treat children. It also looks at how this affects the places where children live and grow up. It is similar to the study of children's geographies. This study focuses on the spaces that children use and enjoy.

Nature deficit disorder

Main article: Nature deficit disorder

Nature Deficit Disorder is a term made by Richard Louv in his 2005 book Last Child in the Woods. It describes a trend in the United States and Canada where children spend less time playing outside. This change is linked to more use of cellphones, computers, video games, and television. These things keep children indoors. Research shows that as children spend more time with screens, they visit places like National Park less often. This shift away from nature can lead to many behavioral problems.

Age of responsibility

Further information: Age of consent, Age of majority, Age of criminal responsibility, and Marriageable age

Different places have different rules about when children are old enough to take on certain responsibilities, like getting married or voting. Long ago, in Roman times, children were not thought to be responsible for breaking laws. Today, the rules about when children can work, get married, or join the military are still being discussed around the world.

Education

Main article: Education

Education means learning new things and getting ready for life. It usually happens in schools, but some children learn at home or online. Many places say children must go to school until a certain age.

Sadly, some children cannot go to school. In some parts of the world, children may miss school because of poverty, having to work, or living far from schools. Sometimes, war can make schools unsafe.

Attitudes toward children

Social attitudes toward children differ around the world and change over time. Some countries focus more on children than others. For example, in the past, Italy was seen as more focused on children, while the Netherlands was less so.

In some parts of the world, some girls are married when they are very young. Countries like Niger and India have worked to reduce this practice.

Before modern family planning, families often had many children. Today, the number of children families have depends on many factors, including education levels of women.

Issues

See also: Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict, Children in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, Save the Children, Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies, Military use of children, Trafficking of children, International child abduction, and Refugee children

Emergencies and conflicts can be very dangerous for children. These can include wars and natural disasters. Many children around the world have to leave their homes because of these dangers. Living through hard times like this can be difficult for children, especially younger ones, and it can affect their health and feelings.

Keeping children safe from harm is very important. This means protecting them from being made to work too hard, being moved away from their homes unfairly, and other unsafe situations. There are special rules and agreements made by countries to help protect children everywhere.

Health

Child mortality

Long ago, in the 1600s in England, many children did not live past the age of four. But during the Industrial Revolution, things began to change, and children started living longer. Today, fewer children die before their fifth birthday all around the world. Some places still have more children passing away, but overall, more children are growing up healthier.