Bribery facts for kids
Bribery is when someone offers or accepts something valuable, like money or gifts, to get a special favor or unfair advantage. It's usually about influencing someone to do something they shouldn't, or to not do something they should.
The valuable thing offered is called a bribe. When someone offers a bribe, they are trying to bribe another person. There are two main types:
- Active bribery is when a person offers a payment and asks for a favor.
- Passive bribery is when a person asks for a payment and offers a favor.
Even if the deal doesn't happen, it can still be considered bribery.
Contents
What is the Difference Between a Bribe and a Reward?
It can sometimes be tricky to tell if something is a bribe or just a reward. A reward is usually a fair payment for a job well done. For example, if a parent pays their child for washing the car, that's a reward. It's a fair exchange for work.
However, if a parent pays a child to eat their dinner, some might see that as a bribe. Eating dinner is something a child is expected to do for their own health, not something they should get extra payment for. The key difference is often whether the action is something someone should already be doing, or if the payment is meant to unfairly influence a decision.
Why is Bribery a Problem?
Bribery is a serious issue because it makes things unfair. It can stop the best person from getting a job or the best company from winning a contract. It also makes people lose trust in leaders and systems.
Bribery and the Law
In many serious situations, bribery is against the law. For example, if someone offers money to a police officer to avoid a ticket, that is bribery. This is illegal because it tries to stop the officer from doing their job fairly.
Another example is when someone tries to bring forbidden items into a country. They might offer a customs officer a bribe to let them pass without checking. This is also illegal because it breaks import rules and avoids paying taxes.
Some people in certain jobs might even refuse to do their work unless they get extra money, or a bribe. This is wrong because they are already paid to do their job.
Bribery in Business
While serious illegal bribery is rare in many countries, smaller forms of bribery can be common in business in some parts of the world. In these places, it might be hard to do business without offering gifts or favors.
Sometimes, giving gifts to business partners can just seem like good manners. It can help build relationships. However, if the gift is very expensive, or if it's given to unfairly influence a decision, it can start to look like bribery.
What Happens if Someone Takes a Bribe?
People who are caught taking bribes can face serious consequences. They might lose their jobs, especially if they work for the government or a large company. In many countries, taking a bribe is a crime, and the person could face legal trouble.
Related pages
- Transparency International
- Blackmail
Images for kids
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Photo of cash found in Congressman William J. Jefferson's freezer in the August 2005 raid was shown to jurors on 8 July 2009
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A campaign to prevent bribes in Zambia.
See also
In Spanish: Soborno para niños
