Children, paternalism and respect

This paper explores the moral and philosophical tension between paternalism toward children and the respect owed to their views. While adults are typically granted autonomy in self-regarding matters, children are often denied this liberty based on presumed developmental incapacity. This essay examines the ethical basis for this distinction and critiques views that frame children’s voices as merely consultative. Drawing on Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, it argues that children capable of forming views should be granted content-independent respect for those views, even if not full decisional authority. It defends a conception of respect that goes beyond instrumental or epistemic justification and asserts that children’s freely expressed views must carry moral weight in adult decision-making. This rethinking of paternalism challenges dominant models and repositions children as moral agents deserving of recognition and serious consideration.