Street children facts for kids

Street children are children who spend a lot of their time, or even live, on the streets. Some might live there all the time with or without their families because they don't have a home. Others might work on the streets, doing small jobs or selling things, but they go back to their home to sleep.

These children often face many challenges. They might not have enough food, a safe place to sleep, or access to education. They can also be in danger and might not have their basic rights protected.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is an important agreement that says every child has the right to a good standard of living. This includes having a home, enough food, and a safe environment to grow up healthy and happy. For children living on the streets, these rights are often not met.

What is a Street Child?

A street child is usually a boy or girl who is not yet an adult and uses the street as their main place to live or earn money. This can include empty buildings or open areas. They often don't have enough protection or guidance from adults.

Why Children Live on the Streets

Children end up on the streets for many reasons. Sometimes, their families are very poor and cannot afford to feed or house them. Other times, they might have run away from difficult situations at home, like violence or neglect. Natural disasters or wars can also force families to leave their homes, leading children to the streets.

How People Help Street Children

Many groups and charities work to help street children. They try to provide safe places for children to stay, offer food and medical care, and help them get an education. The goal is to help these children find a stable and safe life, where their rights are protected and they can grow up healthy.

Images for kids

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  An Afghan street boy in Kabul, Afghanistan (June 2003).

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  A street child in Bangladesh.

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  Romanian ration card, 1989. Poverty and government policies made it hard for families to cope.

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  Children Underground, a 2001 documentary film about street children in Romania.

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  Children sleeping in Mulberry Street, New York City, 1890 (Jacob Riis photo).

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  Two street children in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

See also

In Spanish: Niños de la calle para niños