Child

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Haa ha ha the children

This article is about the juvenile human. For other uses, see Child (disambiguation).”Children” redirects here. For other uses, see Children (disambiguation).

Biologically, a child (plural children) is a human being between the stages of birth and puberty,^[1][2] or between the developmental period of infancy and puberty.^[3] The legal definition of child generally refers to a minor, otherwise known as a person younger than the age of majority.^[1] Children generally have fewer rights and less responsibility than adults. They are classed as unable to make serious decisions, and legally must be under the care of their parents or another responsible caregiver.

Child may also describe a relationship with a parent (such as sons and daughters of any age)^[4] or, metaphorically, an authority figure, or signify group membership in a clan, tribe, or religion; it can also signify being strongly affected by a specific time, place, or circumstance, as in “a child of nature” or “a child of the Sixties”.^[5]

Biological, legal and social definitions

Development

Health

Age of responsibility

Child mortality

Education

Attitudes toward children

Emergencies and conflicts

See also

Sources

References