Child Participation in Decision Making: Implications for Education and Beyond
Published November 2023
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Contributors
Author: Francesca Gottschalk, Hannah Borhan
Publisher: OECD
Date: 2023
Geographic Coverage: Worldwide
Type of Resource: Academic Journal
Sector/setting: Education
Vulnerable groups: Children, Young People
Developed with children and young people? No
Type of participation: Research
Availability: Open Access
Keywords: Participation, Decision Making, Voice, Young People, Children, Education, Empowerment
Introduction
Child empowerment is on the policy agenda of education systems around the world, in particular since the increasing emphasis in policy and research discourse on supporting children’s participation rights. A large body of literature suggests that child participation in making decisions on matters that affect them is not only essential from a child rights perspective, but also that it is associated with several positive outcomes from the individual to societal level. In OECD countries there are many domains in which children can and do actively participate in making decisions, including regarding their education. This paper explores how and where children can participate in decision making, with a focus on policies and practices in OECD education systems. It outlines key considerations for child participation, including barriers that many systems are struggling to overcome.