The poll, conducted between November – December 2025, gathered responses from 317 participants, with a strong 89% response rate. Most respondents were aged 15–24, and the region with the highest participation was Attica.
Awareness of Children’s Rights: A Solid Foundation but
Gaps Remain
Encouragingly, awareness of children’s rights appears
relatively high. More than half of respondents (56%) said they know children’s
rights well, while another 34% reported knowing some of them. However, 1 in 10
young people (10%) said they had never heard that children have a special set
of rights.
This finding suggests that while awareness efforts are reaching many, systematic rights education, especially for younger age groups, remains essential to ensure no child is left uninformed.
Are Children’s Rights Being Respected in Practice?
When asked whether children’s rights are respected and fulfilled in their communities, responses reveal a mixed reality.
Only 17% believe that children’s rights are respected all the time, while the
majority (61%) feel this happens sometimes. Notably, nearly one in four
respondents (23%) feel that children’s rights are not really or never
respected.
These results point to a gap between formal recognition of rights and their everyday implementation, particularly at local and community levels.
Participation: Still an Uneven Reality
Meaningful participation is a cornerstone of children’s
rights—but how often does it happen in practice?
Half of respondents (50%) said children in their community sometimes
have opportunities to share their views or participate in decisions that affect
them. Only 17% reported that this happens all the time, while 34% felt
participation opportunities are rare or nonexistent.
This highlights the need for more consistent, structured,
and inclusive participation mechanisms, especially in schools, local
authorities, and community initiatives.
From Awareness to Action
Despite the challenges, young people are not passive observers. Responses show that children and young people are already taking action—either individually or collectively—to promote children’s rights in their communities. Specifically, when asked whether they or children in their community are taking action to promote children’s rights, 17% of respondents said yes, all the time, while 36% said sometimes. At the same time, 35% reported that such action is not really taking place, and 12% said it is never happening.
What gives them hope that children’s rights can be protected and fulfilled?
Many young people express cautious optimism about the future
of children’s rights in their communities. Respondents point to growing
awareness and open conversations around children’s rights, particularly within
families, schools, and youth-focused organisations, as a positive sign. A 15-year old male from Western Macedonia noted,
“What gives me hope is that, no matter how harsh the world can be, there are
still people who choose not to look away…”, while a 17 year old girl wrote
from Attica wrote “What gives me hope is that society is speaking more and
more openly about children’s rights. Children themselves now know their worth
and are claiming their rights.
And when everyone works together—parents, schools, and organizations—protection
becomes a reality”.
What would they like to say to world leaders to get them
to take action on child’s rights?
To conclude, young respondents were clear and direct: children’s rights cannot wait. Asked what they would like to say to world leaders, one young person urged leaders to see children as present-day rights holders, not just a future promise:“Children are not only the future — they are also the present. Every decision you make today shapes the world we are living in right now.” – U-Reporter female, 15, Central Macedonia
Another response emphasised empathy and responsibility, reminding leaders of their own past: “You were children once. Look at the world through a child’s eyes and ask yourselves whether this is the future you would have wanted.” – U-Reporter male, 19, Attica
What These Findings Tell Us
The results send a clear message:
- Awareness
of children’s rights is growing, but not universal.
- Respect
for rights is perceived as inconsistent.
- Participation
opportunities exist, but are often limited or informal.
- Young
people are motivated to act when given the space and tools.
Strengthening children’s rights in Greece requires moving
beyond awareness toward systematic implementation, meaningful participation,
and locally grounded action.
