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Every child has rights — the right to have a voice, to be heard and to influence matters that affect their lives.

At Singapore Children’s Society, we recognise that children are not just passive recipients of care. They are individuals with voices, perspectives and aspirations that deserve to be respected. When we intentionally create spaces for them to speak up and meaningfully involve them in decisions that shape their lives, we affirm their dignity, strengthen their sense of agency and nurture the confidence they need to grow.

Together, let us build a society that upholds every child’s right and empowers them to grow into their authentic, unique selves.

Lundy’s Model of Participation

SPACE

Before children can speak up, they need room to think. This means giving them the time and opportunity to form their own views, free from pressure or judgement.

VOICE

Having a view is one thing — feeling safe enough to share it is another. This is about creating the conditions for children to express themselves openly and confidently.

AUDIENCE

Speaking up only matters if someone is truly listening. This means adults giving children their genuine attention and taking what they say seriously.

INFLUENCE

Being heard should lead to something. Where appropriate, children's views should be considered and acted upon, especially in decisions that directly affect their lives.

While giving children the right to speak up and make decisions, it is not:

Following and doing everything the child says

It is about considering their views and acting upon it where appropriate especially when these are matters concerning them.

Teaching children to go against their parents

This guiding principle promotes active listening to children which will in turn help families to understand one another better.

Excusing adults from being responsible towards children

It urges adults to come alongside children and work more closely with them.

Children's Rights In Action

Rights Here, Rights Now

“Rights Here, Rights Now” is an interactive workshop that aims to build children’s understanding of their rights and how these apply to their everyday lives. In 2025, two workshops were conducted for youth from our youth centres — The Fort and RoundBox, as part of their annual camps. Tailored to each camp’s theme, participants explored how their rights connect to the issues they encounter in their own lives.

Gathering youth voices and perspectives

As part of Singapore's alternative report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), we held consultations to hear directly from young people on issues affecting them. Through interactive activities and open discussions, participants were encouraged to share their perspectives in safe, non-judgemental spaces.

Amplifying Youth Voices on the Regional Stage

In 2025, three of our youths represented Singapore at the ASEAN Regional Children’s Consultation in Jakarta, Indonesia. Together with peers from across the region, they discussed how ASEAN and the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights can strengthen efforts to better protect children rights.