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History of childhood

  • Period: 4000 BCE to 3000 BCE

    Pre-history

    Childhood in prehistory is challenging to verify, but according to historians, it was based on the idea that children mature quickly to work. Fossils of children have been found with hunting tools, as well as in caves where it is inferred they worked, etc.
  • Period: 3000 BCE to 470

    Ancient Age

    Childhood was greatly influenced by philosophy and the arts. Artistic representations of children were common, and philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle engaged in discussions about child-rearing and education. While society recognized the importance of children as the future, their roles were largely shaped by societal expectations and norms. Childhood was greatly influenced by philosophy and the arts.
  • Period: 476 to 1492

    Medieval Age

    In the Middle Ages, childhood was heavily influenced by the teachings of Christianity. The innocence of children was highly valued, but they were also expected to obey authority figures. The concept of childhood as a distinct stage of life began to emerge, and education often took place within religious institutions.
  • 1300

    End with Children Life

    End with Children Life
    Children were viewed as possessions of their parents, granting the latter the authority to determine their destinies. In instances of familial unease, the choice to terminate the lives of the children was made without facing consequences, as this was a prevalent and accepted practice.
  • Period: 1492 to

    Modern Age

    Childhood underwent significant changes due to the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution. The development of children's literature became prominent, and the significance of formal education started to be emphasized. However, the Industrial Revolution also brought about challenges such as child labor.
  • Double image about childhood

    Double image about childhood
    Was characterized by included the alternation between the projection of adult traits onto infants and the perception of them as sometimes insatiable beings. and the devil. This duality, evident in the attribution of adult characteristics to the infant, stands in stark contrast to the child's true physical and emotional reality. The use of rope for manipulation reflects adult influence, and the early sexualization associated with operations such as circumcision reflects attitudes of domination.
  • Abuse of children

    Abuse of children
    In 18th-century United States, a pediatrician warned against harmful practices like squeezing newborns' chests. By the early 19th century, disturbing practices. One tragic account revealed a baby's decline after sucking on an ailing grandmother's lips for over half a year. These highlight the need to reconsider well-intentioned but potentially abusive traditional practices, exposing a lack of medical knowledge and adverse consequences for infant health
  • Period: to

    Contemporary Age

    In the Contemporary Ages, childhood became a focal point of social and political attention. Laws were enacted to safeguard the rights and well-being of children, and universal education became a shared objective. The perception of children as individuals with their own rights gained strength, and society made efforts to provide safe environments and opportunities for their overall development.
  • Transformative Changes for Childhood

    Transformative Changes for Childhood
    In 1800's significant changes occurred in childhood, marking the emergence of increased social awareness. Despite the persistence of child labor, there were concerns about harsh working conditions, leading to movements advocating for the protection of child workers. The concept of childhood developed as children were recognized as vulnerable beings worthy of protection. Early childhood education was promoted and social reforms were made to improve the well-being of children.
  • Declaration on the Rights of the Child

    Declaration on the Rights of the Child
    The League of Nations approves the Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child. The Declaration states that all individuals must recognize children's right to have the necessary means for their development, to receive special assistance in times of need, to have priority in relief activities, to enjoy economic freedom and protection against exploitation, and to access education that instills social awareness and a sense of duty.(Historia de Los Derechos Del Niño, 2019)
  • ONU and Child Rights

    ONU and Child Rights
    With the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, the Member States of the United Nations commit to upholding equality of rights – including education and protection – for all children.(Historia de Los Derechos Del Niño, 2019)
  • Approval of Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour

    Approval of Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour
    The International Labour Organization approves the Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour, which calls for the immediate prohibition and elimination of any form of work that may harm the health, safety, or morals of children. UNICEF has been collaborating with the International Labour Organization since 1996, advocating for the ratification of international labor standards and policies regarding child labor.
  • Childhood Actually

    Childhood Actually
    Childhood in the actuality is influenced by technology, shifting family structures, and evolving education. The internet and digital devices redefine how children engage with information. Changes in family dynamics, like dual-income households, reshape traditional notions of childhood. Educational systems adapt to emphasize skills for a rapidly changing world. The modern era offers opportunities and challenges, requiring children to navigate a complex, interconnected environment.