Children’s Charter of Developmental Rights

Wendy Pattinson has been concerned about the erosion of childhood for some time and welcomes a Children’s Charter of Developmental Rights

'Children have the right to be protected from any system that might inhibit their innate curiosity, creativity and love of learning...' | Photo: liz west / flickr CC.

I’ve had a concern for childhood for several years now. It grew from my observations working in education, which I came to realise reflected my own childhood experiences and explained difficulties I’ve had throughout my adult life.

As Quakers, we see our faith as being expressed in how we live and in our social responsibility for what happens in the world. How children are cared for and raised is the most fundamental responsibility. It’s so fundamental that we’ve taken it for granted and many of us have failed to notice as childhood has been eroded.

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