Upcoming film hopes to increase awareness of children’s rights in Cornwall through ‘social experiment’
A recent video has brought attention to children’s rights, involving Cornish parents and carers who contributed to its creation. Presented as a social experiment on a stage, the video’s objective is to engage adults and kids in dialogue surrounding rights and responsibilities.
The video originated from a collaboration between Cornwall Council’s Headstart Kernow team, along with the Children’s Rights team and Lightbox Film Company. The focus of the video is to underscore that every child has specific rights outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Public entities such as Cornwall Council have a responsibility, as per the UNCRC, to protect these rights and raise awareness about them through various activities like the Annual Conversation, Cornwall Youth Council, and the Right On! Survey, aimed at children and young people.
By taking part in a series of ‘yes or no’ inquiries related to their childhood experiences, parents and carers in the video were able to explore the UNCRC rights. The approach is meant to stimulate critical discussion and encourage reflection on the topic. Furthermore, professionals in the children and adult services sectors can use the video as an educational resource to foster a culture that respects and supports all children’s rights.
The hope is that the video serves as a starting point for conversations between children and adults about their rights and responsibilities. By enhancing the knowledge and advocacy skills of all parents and carers, the video aims to create a protective and nurturing environment for every child. Encouraging dialogue between generations is key to safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring they are free from harm.
Parents and carers who participated in the video expressed how thought-provoking and emotional the experience was. They highlighted the importance of children’s voices being heard, their safety ensured, and their freedom to express themselves supported. The film’s aim is to empower parents to better understand and advocate for these essential rights, fostering a more wholesome environment for children to flourish.
One of the participants, James, shared his desire to deepen his understanding of children’s rights and engage with his child about these issues. Meanwhile, Jo admitted that reflecting on the statements from the video prompted her to ensure her children’s happiness and safety. Their reflections underscore the significance of raising awareness around children’s rights and the importance of supporting children as they develop.
The video itself is available on the Children’s Rights web pages and the council’s Vimeo channel, offering an opportunity for a broader audience to engage in discussions about children’s rights. Through awareness-raising initiatives like this, it is hoped that more parents and caregivers will be empowered to advocate for children and help them grow into thriving individuals.