What Does Child Empowerment Mean Today?
Implications for Education and Well-being
Childhood is changing in ways that we are still unpacking, affected by digitalization,
globalization and climate change, as well as shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
In many OECD education systems, child empowerment is increasingly an explicit aim
of policies and practices. But it is often poorly defined, which risks turning it
into a mere slogan. With the advancement of children’s rights, children are increasingly
being included as stakeholders in decision-making processes. This report gives examples
of how children in OECD countries can and do participate in making decisions about
issues that affect them. The report examines children's emotional well-being and physical
activity, and the role of schools as a physical space to create and support relationships.
It also underlines the untapped potential of media education when it comes to seizing
opportunities in childhood. Empowering all children to make the most of digital opportunities
starts with further narrowing the gap in terms of access to digital tools and the
Internet, where inequalities are persistent and pervasive. So, what does child empowerment
mean today? Empowered children have the opportunity and ability to act on issues important
and relevant to them, can learn by making mistakes, and are key contributors to democracy.
Published on May 15, 2024
In series:Educational Research and Innovationview more titles