Did you know that children often identify social justice concerns that adults overlook?

Research suggests that almost 85% of under-16s experience moderate anxiety about the environmental crisis, while 60% are very or extremely worried. A majority of primary school children say that making the world better and saving the planet are central to their career aspirations for when they grow up. Yet children have few opportunities to influence the laws and policies shaping the future. Hearing children’s views about social justice priorities can reveal concerns and ideas that adults miss.

THINKING ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE

If children’s rights, experiences and understanding of the world are overlooked, does society miss opportunities to build a better future?

Children & Childhood

Children are profoundly affected by social injustice. They are born into inequalities they did not create and can inherit the effects of past harms and disadvantages.

Family income, housing, education and care are among the strongest influences on children’s life opportunities and future wellbeing. Formal legal processes shape many of the most important aspects of childhood. They can determine where and with whom children live, whether they can consent to important decisions, and how children are protected when they are seeking refuge and safety. Yet children’s views and experiences are often not sought or heard, meaning their knowledge and perspectives are overlooked. This can leave children excluded from decisions about their own lives and treated as objects of concern rather than people whose views matter.

The Centre brings together children’s rights researchers, lawyers, public services, charities and cultural organisations to build research that values children’s knowledge, advances children’s rights and helps children thrive.

Millions of people struggle to access dental care

The law is supposed to ensure that people who have no home are offered accommodation that is safe and suitable.

Public Concern and Social Justice

People's everyday experiences of work, welfare and care are central to social justice.

Children are profoundly affected by social injustice.

Corporations can have global power, yet their actions are felt on people’s doorsteps.

Violence and conflict threaten the possibility of living safely and freely.

Candour and Communities tells a shocking story about lies to the public and institutional cover-ups.