Who is a Child? : Definition, Child rights, Child Abuses Pt 1

Today I will start a series of post on my findings on the subject of child abuse, and ways we can prevent them. I have been reading series of books and articles on the subject so I feel the need to share with this amazing community. This is directed at adults, parents, primary and secondary caregivers and even to every child.

Many people are often confused as to who a child is, like I was before making conscious effort to find out about the subject matter. It is not even far-fetched to note that many people hear can’t figure out what constitute child abuse. You are probably abusing a child without you knowing it. Some cultural practices are purely child abuse practices and the practitioner of such has a backing of the culture. Let’s start with understanding of who a child is.

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Who is a child?

Simply put, a child is any individual who is under 18. This is in accordance to[Unicef]( https://www.unicef.org/crc/files/Guiding_Principles.pdf). Yes anyone who is not up to 18 years of age. If someone is 1 hour to his 18th birthday and you have contact with such a person, be mindful that you are still dealing with a child. Let me go a little bit further, if someone will be 18 tomorrow, and the time is 11:59pm today, you are still dealing with a child. Internationally generalized age for adulthood is 18 years. Haven recognized who a child is, it is provided by international law that the rights of a child be protected, and that all adults desist from any child abuse practices. How can we ensure this? Information is essential! It is important that the child is aware of his/her right and privileges. Adults in all capacity must also make deliberate effort to get knowledge, and to ensure that the right of a child is not violated.

Child rights

Child right is an integral part of the fundamental human rights. Everyone has some basic rights which should not be violated by people for whatever reason. Personally I would rather die than to see my rights trampled upon. The primary underlying principle in dealing with children is that their best interest must be protected. Whatever you do, make sure it is in the best interest of the child. A child is a child anywhere in the world. Just like there is no lesser human being. We are equal in the sight of the law (although not so obvious in many countries). So, child rights include the following:
Right to life.

Right to education.
Right to human identity,
Right to basic need and protection (including physical protection, food, etc.),
Right to health care,
Right to freedom of expression,
Right to birth registration,
Right to a name, family relation and nationality,
Right to information,
Right to privacy,
Right not to be separated from parents against the child’s will,
Right to maintain contact with both parents if they separate,
Freedom from discrimination on the basis of background, ethnicity religion, color, gender, religion, etc.
See here for more details.


Many parents and caregivers are constantly violating the rights of a child without them knowing it. They hide under the umbrella that they know better in making decisions that affects the child without any form of consultation of the child. This is not to say that the child has the right to tell adults what to do, but inputs from the child should also be considered. Of course we know that that their ability to think and form opinion develops with age. So the suggestion of a 5 year old cannot be compared with that of a 13 year old form instance. Like I said earlier, when it involves matters of a child, the best interest of that child should be upheld.

What is child abuse?

When we talk of child abuse, your mind would probably jump to sexual molestation and violation of a child. Of course that is just an integral part of it. Child abuse is any practice perpetrated by anyone (adult or children alike) that violates a child. It could be physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or even neglect of the child. So to speak, child abuse could be from your action or inaction to the sensitive need of a child. So you see, because you are not sexually abusing a child doesn’t mean you are free from this. If you engage in any other form of abuses you are guilty as charged!
Have you, or are you abusing a child without even knowing it? Ignorance is not an excuse to the law. some people involves in acts such as flogging (beating) a child and will break hell loose if you tell them it is child abuse. They will call on the Bible as a defence and their cultural values. Well I want to challenge you.

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Come let us reason together.

I will be talking more on child abuses with practical examples in subsequent posts. Please stayed tuned as I discuss these abuses in fine details and state ways by which a child, and even adults alike can prevent these abuses from happening.

Thank you for visiting my blog and reading to the end. I am @obamike, and I am a teacher (presently teaching children). I love God and humanity. I find fulfillment in making impact in people's life especially students(I love teaching). I am part of @openschool project. You too can help bring unconventional education to students across the world. Find what you can do here