What are your Child’s Rights
What are your child’s rights in South Africa, your Children’s Rights are those rights found in Section 28 in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of South Africa and they form the basis for the best interest of the child in all matters affecting children.
These rights aim to protect ALL children up to the age of 18 years from harm, abuse, neglect and exploitation and they include the right to:
- Family care or parental care, or appropriate alternative care when removed from the family environment
- A name and nationality from birth
- Basic nutrition, shelter, basic health care services and social services
- Protection from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation
- Protection from exploitative labour practices that are inappropriate for a person of that child’s age or place at risk the child’s well–being, education, physical or mental health or spiritual, moral or social development
- Protection against detention except as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time, separately from detained persons over the age of 18 years; and to be afforded legal representation at state expense
Mental Health Disorders
Regarding Mental Health Disorders, they are the number one leading burden of disease in children and teenagers affecting approximately 20% of our children globally. Mental health disorders in children have a negative impact on their overall well-being and development (their ability to learn, transition through life, social connections, and impact their ability to live productive and fulfilled lives). More than half of all adult mental health disorders start before the age of 18 years of age.
Children’s Act
The Children’s Act 38 of 2005’s main objective is to give effect to children’s constitutional rights to: Family care and parental care or appropriate alternative care. When removed from the family environment, social services; protection from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation; and have their best interests considered to be of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.
Good Mental Health
Good mental health is vital for a child’s healthy development. It assists in building positive emotional, cognitive, behavioural, social and communication skills. It sets the foundation for healthy well-being in adulthood. It helps children develop socially, emotionally, mentally and physically and their ability to cope with life’s challenges.
To nurture healthy mental well-being, adults need to foster:
- Loving relationships
- Teach children to manage big feelings
- Encourage physical activity, healthy eating and sleep habits
Your child displays good mental health when they:
- Enjoy life
- Feel happy and positive about themselves most of the time
- Are kind to themselves during tough times
- Get along with family and their peers
- Are able to bounce back from challenges
- Can manage big feelings such as sadness, worry, jealousy, or anger
- Take risks and are open to trying new or challenging things.
- Learn well
All children should benefit from a strengthened child-rights system that delivers and monitors the realisation of their rights. Help us fight for their rights, give a voice to future generations & provide policy tools to empower millions of people. Let’s ensure that the rights of young people are upheld & that they reach their full potential.
For more enquiries or if you are concerned about your child please contact PsychMatters Centre on Contact: +27114503576 / (+27) 62 975 8442 Email: info@psychmatters.co.za
To teach your child about their mental health you can purchase the iMatter Activity Book for a Confident Me!
iMatter Activity Book for a Confident Me!
Only R149
For a fun therapeutic EQ building activity book
A percentage of the proceeds benefitting the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund Child safety and protection programme:
Alternatively, send us an email at hello@imatterkids.com to learn more
(Yoco app is in the form or an invoice can be sent to your company and can be claimed for tax.)
