WHAT HAPPENS TO CHILDREN AFFECTS US ALL

If our children do not thrive, our societies will not thrive. Decision-makers, both public and private, must take children’s well-being into account as they undertake social and economic development.

ALL CHILDREN MUST BE INCLUDED IN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROGRESS

All children must be prepared for the future. Some groups of children and families are not doing as well as others in the new knowledge-based, global economy. Disparities that thwart the healthy development of children in the present and limit the life chances of children in the future must be addressed.

CHILDREN EXPERIENCE CHANGE IN AND THROUGH MULTIPLE CONTEXTS

Children are affected by all the environments in which they live. The family is the first circle around the child. Beyond the family, the community has a role to play in child development. The circles widen to regional, national, and international contexts.

CHILDREN ARE ENTITLED TO BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS

Children’s rights are economic, social, and cultural, as well as civil and political. Children have a right to participate, and to express their perceptions and aspirations. Children are entitled to the protection of society from exploitation and abuse. They also must be able to count on society to ensure their healthy
development, beyond mere survival.

KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CHILD WELL-BEING MUST LEAD TO ACTION

Monitoring and reporting on measures of child well-being across North America can help us better understand the diverse experiences of childhood in different contexts. But monitoring is not an end in itself. Its purpose is to highlight our successes and challenges. Both can help to drive change.