Your best interests must be taken into account

Children’s rights include the principle that adults must consider children’s best interests, which means that they must make decisions that are good for the child.

It is not always clear what a child’s best interests are. In such cases, adults must consider all of the rights of the child, not just some of them. They must also think about the child’s future and ask for the child’s own opinion.

What does this mean?

Your parents or other guardians must try to minimise difficulties in your daily life and ensure that you are able to live well. They should think about what is best for you, such as when you should go to bed or what kind of food you need. They should make sure that you are not exposed to danger and that you stay healthy and happy.

It is also important that adults remember to ask for your opinion and explain the reasons for decisions you are not happy with, for example because they believe they are in your best interests.