You have the right to play and rest

According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, every child has the right to play, rest, leisure and recreational activities as well as to participate freely in cultural life and the arts. The right to play may sound like a funny concept, but play, hobbies and recreational and leisure activities are important for creativity, wellbeing and the development of various skills. Play has no age limit.

You also have the right to rest as needed. Hobbies, cultural activities and leisure are important ways to refresh yourself and learn new things.

What does this mean?

A variety of hobbies should be accessible to all children and young people. It is important that you can choose how to spend your free time or time with friends, for example, and that you can rest when you are tired. However, this does not mean that your parents or guardians cannot ask you to help with household chores, as long as you also have enough time for rest and leisure activities.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child requires states to ensure that children and young people are able to rest, play and enjoy leisure time as well as to participate in cultural life and the arts. Arts provide children and young people with opportunities to develop themselves and their creativity, strengthen their sense of community and address difficult and distressing topics.