29/09/2026
10 Myths About Child Participation in Decision-Making
We often hear these statements when talking about children’s participation. But are they really true?
1. “Children are too young to understand.”
➡️ Children can express their views when information and communication are adapted to their age and development.
2. “They don’t know what is best for them.”
➡️ Professionals have expertise and responsibilities. But children have unique knowledge of their own experiences and perspectives.
3. “Asking children will only confuse them.”
➡️ Age-appropriate information can help children understand what is happening and feel safer.
4. “Participation means letting children make the decisions.”
➡️ No. Participation means giving children the opportunity to express their views and ensuring those views are genuinely considered.
5. “We don’t have enough time to involve children.”
➡️ Meaningful participation takes time. But so does making decisions that truly reflect a child’s needs and circumstances.
6. “Some children are too difficult to engage.”
➡️ Sometimes the challenge is not the child, but whether we are using the right approach.
7. “If a child doesn’t speak, they don’t have an opinion.”
➡️ Children communicate in many different ways. We need to find ways that work for them.
8. “Children will just say what adults want to hear.”
➡️ A safe, trusting environment can create space for children to express their genuine views.
9. “Participation is only important for older children.”
➡️ Even very young children can express their views when appropriate methods are used.
10. “We already listen to children, so participation is covered.”
➡️ Listening is the beginning. Meaningful participation means that children’s views are considered — and that children understand what happened with what they said.
So, perhaps the question is not whether children are ready to participate. Perhaps we should ask whether our systems and practices are ready to listen.
So, the question and the challenge for organisations and authorities is how to move from consultation to meaningful participation.
Because children are not just the subject of decisions.
Their voices should have a meaningful place in decisions about their lives.
“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”
