Kids Learning: Kids Learning Social Science

4th Standard Social Science Term-III

Rights and Duties of Children

INTRODUCTION

In School today, Ramesh had an interesting day. He learnt many rules that he must follow in class. Let us listen to him talking to his mother about his class.

Today my class teacher has given us a list of rules that we all have to follow, Amma.

That's good!

We should not change our seats in the middle of the class time in school as it would disturb others. Like this, there are so many rules, Amma!

I think that is very important. Rules are made so that the class can work together properly without disturbing others.

I understand. Our teacher said the same.

Do you know? There are rules that all citizens of the country have to follow.

Citizen? What does that mean, Amma?

Citizen is a person who is a member of a country. A citizen enjoys the rights given to him/her by the country.

Okay! Who sets these rules for citizens?

The constitution of India sets these rules.
The set of rules of a country is known as constitution.
The constitution lays down certain rules to help the country work together smoothly.

So that my teacher said if we follow these rules we will become responsible. Does constitution make citizens responsible?

Yes. It helps all people to be a responsible citizen of our country.

CHILD RIGHTS

All over the world, there are different policies and rights. Children have certain rights to ensure that every child is treated the same. These are practiced to create a healthy environment for the children to live in. Let us see what Kavya and her father talk about child rights.

Appa! Do children have any rights?

Yes Kavya. All over the world there are many countries which have agreed to make some basic rights for children. Our country is one of them.

Really? Appa, can you tell me more?

Sure. The four major child rights are :

1. Right to survival

2. Right to development

3. Right to protection

4. Right to participation

RIGHT TO SURVIVAL

Appa, can you explain about right to survival?

It is to ensure every child has access to minimum standards of food. This helps in healthy growth in all children. There are different rights for children below the age of 6 and between the age of 6-14 years. This is because both the age groups have different needs for their growth and development.

Very interesting. What else is a part of right to survival?

The WASH programme is also a part of it. Have you heard of it?

WASH? What happens in that program Appa?

WASH stands for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. It means there should be access to clean water for drinking and other needs. There are many diseases that spread through water. To avoid these, having access to safe water is very important.

Yes Appa. Even my teacher told us to wash our hands before and after food.

Very good. Creating awareness to wash hands with soap is also a part of the WASH programme.

Last week, I saw Muthu a child in opposite house, getting some drops of medicine. Is this a part of right to survival, Appa?

Yes, Kavya. That was Polio drops. There are many vaccines and drops which are given to children to protect them from certain diseases.

So nice, Appa.

RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT

Every child has the right to go to school and develop life skills. Today Vijaya teacher is teaching about right to development.

Mithra, do you know that coming to school is your right? Do you know that no one can stop you from getting admission in a government school?

Really? Near my house, I see some children not going to school lo.

Yes, you can see. But, all children upto the age of 14 have the right to go to school. The government is responsible to providing free education to all.

Is it so, I will convey this to their parents. May be, I can bring them to school tomorrow.

That's great, Mithra!

What do you see in the picture?

Children are involved in different works at different places.

This is called Child Labour. It is illegal to force children below the age of 14 to work.

Really? What should we do if we see children working as child labour around us?

Call the Childline number 1098 [Ten Nine Eight] and inform.

Okay teacher. Can I call this number at any time? How much does it cost?

You can call at any time and it is free of cost. If you see a child labour, talk to him/her first. If they are forced to do the job, you can call the number and inform. They will come and help the child.

RIGHT TO PROTECTION

Children have the right to be protected in all circumstances. Indian government has set laws for the same. Raman and Kavitha's mother is talking to them about their right to protect themselves. Let us hear their conversation.

Can you tell me what are the different parts of your body that no one should touch?

Lips, chest and between my legs.

Yes! To whom will you say, if someone touches you in these parts?

We will tell to an elder we trust, like you.

Will you be scared if someone touches you in any or all of these parts or any other part and make you feel uncomfortable?

No Amma. I will not be scared.

Yes, and I will shout at the top of my voice for help.

There are laws to punish people who touch children inappropriately. All you need to do is, keep on eye out for danger and be confident.

Are there any other rules to protect us?

Yes. There is another rule, no person should hit or harm children. It is wrong to hit children, as it affects their well being.

Really?

Yes, all elders shoud help to create a safe environment for children to live.

RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE

Children have the right to participate in matters related to them. This includes asking questions, giving suggestions and making decisions in things that affect them. Let us listen to the discussion in Vani teacher's class.