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Expressing yourself

7-12

years

old

What does this mean?

The UNCRC says that you have the right to express yourself freely and share what you think.

This doesn’t mean you can say everything you want to all of the time! You can disagree with other people but you can’t express yourself in a way that harms yourself or others.

Expressing yourself in a way that attacks or discriminates against another person because of their race, religion, nationality, age, gender or disability can make that person feel hurt, anxious or unsafe.

Dami’s story

I came to Ireland from Nigeria when I was seven. I like it here but sometimes other kids in my class can be mean and racist.

Once I was playing football with my friends at break and one boy started saying I couldn’t play because I’m not from here.

He said it was just a joke but he has no right to say that to me. It hurts and I have the same rights as every other kid. It doesn’t matter where you’re from.

There are many ways to express yourself – not just speaking. You can express yourself through writing, singing, playing, dancing or drawing.

Parents and schools have to create a safe and respectful environment where all children feel able to express themselves freely in whatever way they choose.

Did you know?

Children around the world have organised protests to protect their rights. These children are known as Child Human Rights Defenders and often their freedom of expression has been put at risk.

Malala Yousafzai was only 11 when she started campaigning against the Taliban’s ban on girls attending school in her homeland of Swat in Pakistan.

Greta Thunberg is a Swedish activist who has called for governments around the world to take action on climate change since she was a teenager.

Find out what you can do when you’re not getting your rights.