Child (young person)

A child is a human being in the early stage of life, typically before adulthood. Childhood involves distinctive patterns of growth, dependency, learning, and social development.

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Child development: The study and process of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social change from birth through adolescence. It maps the broad changes that make childhood a distinct stage of life.
Children's rights: Human rights adapted to children’s needs, including protection, participation, development, and provision. This framework treats children as rights-holders rather than merely dependents.
History of childhood: The historical study of how societies have understood and organized children’s lives. It shows that childhood’s social meaning has changed across eras.
Infancy: The earliest period of life, beginning at birth and commonly lasting through the first year. Infancy is the most dependent and rapidly changing phase of childhood.
Puberty: The biological process through which a child’s body develops reproductive maturity. It marks a major transition within childhood toward adolescent development.
Convention on the Rights of the Child: A 1989 United Nations treaty setting out civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights for children. It is the central international treaty governing states’ responsibilities toward children.
Childhood: The period of life between birth and adulthood, shaped by biological development and social conditions. The individual child belongs to a broader life stage with shared institutions and expectations.
Early childhood: The developmental period following infancy and preceding middle childhood, often including the preschool years. It highlights rapid growth in language, movement, and social independence.
Attachment theory: A psychological framework explaining how early relationships shape emotional bonds and later social behavior. Early caregiver bonds influence a child’s security, exploration, and relationships.
Child protection: Policies and practices intended to prevent and respond to violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children. It addresses risks children may face while dependent on adults and institutions.