National Child Day

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Every child has rights.

National Child Day is celebrated across Canada every year on November 20. The date marks the United Nations’ adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. Canada ratified the Convention in 1991 and has celebrated National Child Day since 1993. The day is an opportunity to learn about children’s rights, celebrate children and youth as valued members of our communities, and take action to make those rights real in everyday life.

Explore resources Learn about children’s rights
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2026 Theme

Every Young Person Deserves a Safe Place to Belong

Every young person deserves to feel safe, accepted and respected at home, at school and throughout their community. Belonging grows when young people can be themselves, have a say in decisions that affect them and rely on trusted people for support.

This National Child Day, we invite families, schools and organizations across Alberta to ask: How does our space help children and young people feel safe and that they belong?

Start by asking young people. Listen to how they experience the spaces adults create, and work with them to make those spaces safer and more welcoming.

Explore the 2026 Social Media Toolkit

The three pillars of children’s rights

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) sets out 54 interconnected rights. These rights can be understood through three pillars: protection, provision and participation. Every right matters, and every child is entitled to these rights without discrimination.

Protection

The right to be safe

Protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination.

Provision

The right to be healthy and supported

Food, housing, health care, education, play and an adequate standard of living.

Participation

The right to be yourself and be heard

Identity, culture, expression, information and a meaningful voice in decisions.

Ways to celebrate

With children and families
  • Ask children what rights mean to them and how they would like to celebrate.
  • Read a book or watch a video about children’s rights, then talk about it together.
  • Create art, a poster or a display showing a right that matters to them.
  • Wear blue on November 20 to show support for children’s rights.
  • Make space for play, culture, language, stories and traditions.
  • Teach a lesson or lead an activity about the UNCRC.
  • Invite children to identify a change that would make their classroom or school more inclusive.
  • Host an assembly, rights walk, art project, story time or student-led discussion.
  • Invite a community speaker who works with or advocates for children and youth.
  • Use the toolkits, videos, handouts and booklists in the Resources hub.
  • Share National Child Day information through newsletters, websites and social channels.
  • Review a policy, program or decision through a children’s-rights lens.
  • Create a safe, accessible opportunity for children and youth to share their views.
  • Partner with local organizations on an activity or learning session.
  • Keep children’s rights visible throughout the year, not only on November 20.
Find activities and toolkits

FAQ

Who is considered a child under the UNCRC?
The Convention defines a child as any person below the age of 18 unless national laws recognize an earlier age of majority.
No. The UNCRC recognizes the important role of parents, caregivers and families in guiding children. Guidance should evolve with a child’s age and abilities and help them understand and exercise their rights.
Children can begin learning about rights from an early age. The language and activities should be appropriate for their age, development and experience.
Rights education helps children understand dignity, fairness and respect. It can strengthen empathy, participation and the confidence to speak up when something does not feel safe or fair.
Children’s rights are not earned and cannot be taken away because a child does not meet a responsibility. Children can also learn that exercising their rights involves respecting the rights of others.
Ask children how they want to participate, choose an activity from the Resources hub, share what you learn and keep children’s rights part of your work throughout the year.

About the coalition

The Alberta National Child Day Coalition is a cross-province network of community organizations that works together to promote National Child Day and children’s rights. Coalition members collaborate on educational resources and opportunities that help families, educators, organizations and communities learn, celebrate and act.

Contact

Have a question about National Child Day or the coalition? Email NationalChildDay@ocya.alberta.ca and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

© 2026 National Child Day.