It’s funny how most people (especially Parents and Educators) frown at the idea of Child Right. Sometimes ago, a person I know recounted how he was prohibited from giving a Child Rights Advocacy talk while visiting a reputable secondary somewhere in Lagos, Nigeria. The School Administrator who prohibited him made some insubstantial claims about why teenagers should be allowed to exercise their rights, chief among which is the possibility of rebellion against parents as well as limited parental control as excuses.
These bogus claims aside, the truth remains that Nigerian Teenagers have rights which must be respected at all times. Even the Federal Government of Nigeria recognizes this; little wonder why in 2003 the Government nationalized the Un Child Rights Convention and called it the “Child’s Rights Act”. Today, sections 6, 7, 8, 9 of the Nigerian Constitution stipulates that a child has the right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly; right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; right to privacy and family life; right to freedom of movement and more.
These are laudable pronouncements, ones, if well upheld will certainly benefit teenagers immensely. Unfortunately, there are many people to whom these rights do not augur well with. Some parents and teachers frown at these rights, considering them as limitations which parents from having “full control” over teenagers. But this is only but a misconception because never does the pronouncements give children the freedom to behave badly neither does it prohibit parents from disciplining these children when need be. Indeed, never does this law encourage rebellion on the part of teenagers.
In any case, the most important thing is that children are entitled to Freedom Rights in Nigeria. Anybody who thinks there’s no justification for these rights needs to reconsider their perspective. The importance of these rights cannot be underestimated especially bearing in mind the need to empower young people to become adults. Take for instance, children’s right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion means that it is not in the best interest of children when their parents force them to accept ideals, religious idiosyncrasies and other idiosyncratic values. Our world is ever in a flux, always changing with new things coming on board as old ones are done away with. What was perfectly acceptable when parents were growing up may not be what works in 2016. Therefore, every parent must put this into consideration at all times.
In conclusion, children do have rights and it is high time these rights get recognized. Parents must desist from making decisions for their children without even considering the children’s perspectives to the matter. For example, parents must desist from forcing your children to study those courses they [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][the parents] feel are good enough. Also, parents should not restrict children’s movements or even choose their friends for them inasmuch as all these can be needful towards ensuring the safety of these young ones. Allow children to participate in meaningful outdoor activities. Let them interact with people within their environment.
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