Strengthening Young Children’s Voices in Decision-making Impacting Their Lives

The Convention on the Rights of the Child ensures that children have a right to voice their opinions regarding matters that significantly influence their lives, and further mandates that these perspectives must be given due weight. The current reality, however, stands in sharp contrast to the rights children have on paper, as most decision-makers continue making decisions about children's lives without actively including them in the decision-making processes. This discrepancy is particularly worrisome when we consider the perspective of children aged below 10.

When children are deprived of their right to be heard, policies, services, and budget allocations for children risk becoming ineffective and inadequate. This leaves them without the support, services, and protection they need. It further deprives them of the important learning and skills development that direct experience of participation in decision-making generates. At times, the unwillingness or inability to give children a voice even puts them at risk of harm.

Our presentation, titled "Strengthening Young Children’s Voices in Decision-making Impacting Their Lives” aims to contribute to the discourse on safeguarding children in education and childcare settings by emphasising the critical role of child participation. Our talk will explore the various elements of child participation and provide early years practitioners with practical tools rooted in the principles of meaningful child participation. The presentation encourages and exemplifies the participation of children and youth, allowing them to take an active role in shaping their educational experiences.