Course Title: Child Development and Child Rights
Course Code: 103
CONCEPTUALIZAION: DEFINING THE CONCEPTS OF A CHILD,
DEVELOPMENT, CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND CHILD RIGHTS
Child
The definition of a child can vary depending on the context. Legally, in many countries a child is
defined as a person who is under the age of 18. Biologically, a child is a human being between
the stages of birth and puberty. Socially a child is a person; minor who is still in the process of
developing and learning about the world. He is under the care, support and protection of an adult
figure who may be a parent, or a caregiver. Children are always dependent on adults as they
rapidly grow and develop physically, emotionally and cognitively. They possess their unique
personalities, interests and abilities and are capable of learning, exploring and experiencing the
world.
Development
Development means changes that take place in a particular thing from one stage to another. It is a
process of growth, advancement, progress from one stage to another, an improvement over time
resulting in a more advanced or mature state. Development includes human progress in health,
knowledge, standard of living etc. It is also a process that results in addition of physical, mental
and social components to an existing organism. It means a change in quality or quantity, that is,
there is always an additional value. This means that development cannot take place unless there
is an increment or addition to the existing structures. It often involves learning, investment,
innovation and positive change.
Child Development
Child Development therefore is a gradual change of an infant from conception to adolescence. It
is a complex and dynamic process shaped by genetic and environmental factors and by which a
child grows, matures and develops physically, emotionally, socially and mentally from birth to
adolescence. It includes the progressive acquisition of skills, knowledge and values that shape
the child’s whole being. It is sequential and predictable but unique to each child.
The knowledge about it helps parents, caregivers and educators provide appropriate support for
their children’s psychological development of self-concept, self-esteem, mental health, sensory
development awareness and integration.
Child Rights
Child rights are the basic human rights that are granted to every child under the age of 18. These
rights are meant to ensure that children have the opportunity to grow, develop and reach their full
potential in a safe and nurturing environment. They include the right to life, healthcare, universal
state-paid education, association, participation, criminal laws appropriate for the age and
development of the child, and protection from abuse, neglect, violence and exploitation,
including harmful labour practices, trafficking, discrimination on the basis of the child’s race,
gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, colour, ethnicity
or other characteristics. Children have the right to be cared for, protected and supported by their
families. They also have the right to be with their parents unless it is deemed, in the best interest
of the child, to be separated from them.
Child rights are based on the principle that every child has the right to be treated with dignity,
respect and equality, regardless of their gender, race, religion or nationality. Child rights are
recognized by international treaties and conventions, such as the “United Nation’s Convention on
the Rights of the Child(UNCRC). The UNCR is a legally binding international agreement that
requires governments to protect and promote the rights of every child within their jurisdiction.
Governments are also responsible for ensuring that children enjoy their rights without
discrimination, and may provide support and assistance to children who are unable to enjoy their
rights due to economic or social factors.
In summary Child’s
(1) Right to Survival means ensuring that children have access to basic necessities such as
adequate nutrition, clean water, shelter and healthcare. This includes right to a standard of living
adequate for the child’s physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development
(2) Right to Protection means safeguarding children from all forms of abuse, neglect,
exploitation, and violence. This includes protection from child labour, trafficking, sexual
exploitation and harmful cultural practices.
(3) Right to Development means ensuring that children’s right to express their views and have
their options taken into account in matters affecting them. This includes the right to freedom of
expression and right to fair trial.
STAGES OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT
According to Dr. Jasmine Shaikh, J. MD & Pharm, D.J.D. experts differ in their division of
child development into different stages. Some have described children's development in four
stages, some in five stages and others in six stages. Although the number of stages differs, what
remains essentially the same are the changes that take place at a particular age or age range. So
literature abound on the stages of development. For the purposes of this lecture write any you
found in literature. Also concentrate on Piaget’s theory/Stages of Child Cognitive Development.