Abstract
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was created to promote the well-being of children around the world. The Convention, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1989, covers a wide range of issues dealing with the physical and emotional well-being of children. The specific purpose of this article is to explore the implications of the Convention for children's mental health. A content analysis of the document reveals six main themes or guiding principles for the promotion of children's mental health: (a) protection, health care, and nurturance; (b) opportunities for education and personal development; (c) children's rights and self-determination; (d) appreciation of human diversity; (e) collaboration and respect for others; and (f) adequate provision of resources. Ways to translate these principles into action in families, schools, communities, and society at large are discussed. On the basis of available knowledge, I show how these values can be enacted by parents, teachers, professionals, and social policy-makers.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 77-93 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1994 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Psychiatry and Mental health