The UNCRC sets out the rights of the child, and the responsibilities of governments to protect those rights.  We use this framework as the basis for our work to protect children from sexually graphic media.  The most relevant parts are summarised briefly as follows.

Article 1 states that all persons under 18 years of age have all the rights included in the UNCRC.

Article 17 explains that mass media to which children are exposed should provide information children can understand, ideally promote their well-being, and should not be harmful to children.  Governments should encourage the development of appropriate guidelines to protect children from harmful media. 

Article 29 sets out the type of education a child has a right to, and is linked with article 17 in an acknowledgement that the mass media is providing children with information and thus forming part of their education.  The rightful education includes promoting the development of respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and one's parents.  It should prepare the child for a responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of understanding, peace, equality of sexes, and cultural, racial and religious tolerance.

Article 34 states that governments should protect children from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, including to prevent the inducement of a child to engage in any unlawful sexual activity.

In general, the UNCRC recognises the rights and responsibilities of parents to provide moral guidance to their children.  It also places a responsibility on governments to protect and assist families in fulfilling their essential role as nurturers of children.  In the UK at present, the effectiveness of self-regulation for the sale and display of sexually graphic printed media is questionable.  The absence of any meaningful regulation undermines the rights and responsibilities of children and families as set out in the UNCRC.

The UNCRC can be downloaded in summary or in full from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.