What is child agency?

Child agency refers to the capacity of children to act independently, make choices, and influence their own lives and environments. It emphasizes their ability to express their thoughts, feelings, and preferences, and to have an active role in decisions that affect them. Recognizing child agency is essential for promoting children's rights and ensuring they are heard and respected in various contexts, from families to educational settings. This concept acknowledges that children are not merely passive recipients of adult decisions but are active participants in their development and well-being.