7 Children's Rights in School, Important to Know

In addition to the obligation to learn, children must also receive their rights while studying at school. By granting their rights during school, children will feel valued by the school. The fulfillment of children's rights at school also makes the teaching and learning process more optimal.

There are about 7 rights of children in school that must be known. We will present these seven rights here in a listicle format. Curious? Just check out the list below!

1. Receiving Learning Materials

The first right that must be fulfilled is receiving learning materials. Children's learning activities will be maximized when they receive learning materials, especially from their teachers.

Ensure that the learning materials provided are appropriate for their educational level. Also, make sure that each teacher teaching the material is a competent teacher. This way, the material provided will be easy to convey and can be accounted for.

The right related to learning materials applies not only to subjects in class such as mathematics and social studies but also to extracurricular materials.

2. Receiving Guidance from Teachers

This right is still related to the first right. The available learning materials cannot be understood by children if there is no guidance from teachers at all. Therefore, teacher guidance is another important right, in addition to learning materials, of course.

In addition to guiding children to understand the learning materials, teachers should also make children feel comfortable asking questions, especially regarding the subject matter itself.

If a teacher is unable to attend, ensure that there is a substitute teacher. This way, children at school will still receive their right to guidance from teachers.

3. Receiving Fair Grades

Although not everything, grades in subjects are another right that children must receive. Ensure that children receive fair grades based on their understanding of the subject matter.

If a child receives a low grade, motivate them to do better in the future. As for children who receive high grades, remind them to remain humble and continue to study diligently.

4. Receiving Adequate Break Time

Diligent studying is indeed a necessity. However, children should not be deprived of adequate break time. Besides violating children's rights, not getting enough break time will make children vulnerable to fatigue, both physically and mentally.

Break activities are recommended to be conducted not far from the school environment. During breaks, children are free to engage in various activities, as long as they are responsible.

The activities referred to include playing and socializing with their friends, playing, and enjoying meals. Whether it's eating the snacks they brought or enjoying school snacks.

5. Receiving Fair Treatment

Every child has the right to receive fair treatment, both from teachers and the school. Regardless of their social, religious, and family backgrounds. Fair treatment also applies to children of various levels of intelligence.

6. Being Given the Right to Express Opinions

Although they may still be considered young, children in school have the right to express their opinions. Expressing opinions will help children practice articulating their feelings and thoughts. Doing so can also train them to be more critical.

Ensure that children are taught how to express opinions logically and politely, regardless of to whom they are expressing their opinions. Whether to teachers, school authorities, or their classmates.

If their opinions are considered different, please do not scold or corner them. Provide them with perspectives from other viewpoints so they can better understand opinions that differ from theirs.

7. Being Given Freedom to Use School Facilities

The last right that children must have at school is the freedom to use school facilities. Every child has the right to use all school facilities to support their activities, from health facilities such as the health room, restrooms, to school fields and physics laboratories.

For certain facilities that require special permission (e.g., multipurpose rooms or laboratories), ensure that all facilities are used according to the applicable permissions.

Whatever facilities are used, ensure that children use them responsibly. Also, make sure that the available facilities are not damaged or dirty. If necessary, teach them how to use and maintain the available facilities properly and responsibly.

State Laws Regulating Children's Rights in Schools

Children's rights in schools are regulated by the state through laws. One of these laws is Law Number 39 of 1999 on Human Rights.

In this law, there are several articles related to the seven rights we have mentioned. Articles 60 to 66 are what we mean. These articles emphasize the importance of children receiving some of their rights at school, such as the right to rest, receive learning materials, and access school facilities (especially school facilities).

These articles also include several other children's rights beyond the seven rights we mentioned. These rights are:

The right not to be involved in war, disputes, and/or other events involving violence. (Article 63)
The right to be protected from economic exploitation activities (such as child trafficking) that could prevent children from attending school. (Article 64).
The right to receive protection from sexual abuse, maltreatment, and other forms of crime that could deprive children's rights at school. (Articles 65 and 66).

UNICEF Guidelines on Children's Rights in Schools

Not only the state, but the international organization UNICEF has also regulated children's rights in schools. These rights are outlined in a guide titled “A School for Children with Rights” compiled by Thomas Hammarberg.

This guide also contains seven rights of children in schools. The seven rights they include are roughly the same as the list we have provided. These seven rights are:

All children in the world have the right to access education. At least basic education.
All children in schools must receive equal treatment, without any discrimination whatsoever. Regardless of their ethnic, religious, social class, or gender backgrounds.
All children have the right to receive subjects that are appropriate to their level of intelligence, age, physical ability, and mental capacity. To fulfill this right, schools must create curricula that are suitable for the conditions and needs of children.
All children have the right to receive education based on tolerance, equality among human beings, and concern for the environment (nature).
All children have the right to receive varied educational methods that are in line with the times.
All children in schools must be free from violence from various parties. Whether from teachers, friends, or other related parties.
All children in schools must be given the freedom to be active and express opinions during the teaching and learning process.

Thus is the list of 7 rights of children in schools along with related information. Hopefully, it can make us all aware of the children's rights that we must fulfill while at school.

Author: Iskael

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