The Child's Right to Participation: High School Learners' Understanding and Experiences

Article 12 (1) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out the right of children who are capable of forming their own views to freely express them in matters that affect them. Such views should be considered when making decisions, paying attention to the child's age and maturity. This study explored children's understanding of the right to participation and their experiences with the implementation of this right at school. Data were obtained from 32 high school children (16 females and 16 males) from Johannesburg, South Africa aged between 13 and 17 years, through semi-structured in-depth individual interviews. Two of the schools were public and two were independent. Data were thematically analysed. The results indicated that while understanding of this right was limited, there was a high preference to accord children this right. Opportunities to participate were viewed as extremely limited. Participants highlighted suggestions for improvement which are discussed in this study. This study emphasises the need for children to participate more in matters that affect them.