Where possible, include children in the planning stage, not just the delivery.

• Ask for their ideas on themes, activities, or prayers

• Give them real opportunities to shape what happens

• Ensure their involvement matches their age, maturity, and understanding

Avoid giving children roles that are purely symbolic.

• Ensure their contributions influence decisions

• Take their perspectives seriously and respond to their input

• Show clearly how their ideas have shaped the event

Children of all ages can participate, but in different ways depending on their stage of development, skills, and confidence.

• Children begin to form clearer opinions about themselves and others around the age of 10, which may support deeper engagement, but readiness varies for each child

• Younger children may contribute through drawings, simple prayers, or making choices

• Older children may help lead activities, speak, or co-facilitate

• Even very young children can participate in simple decision-making (e.g. choosing songs or activities), but not all spaces are appropriate for all ages

• Consider both age and ability, rather than age alone, when assigning roles

Children should feel confident, informed, and equipped to participate.

• Clearly explain what is expected of them

• Provide opportunities to develop skills such as:

  • Speaking and communication

  • Decision-making

  • Leadership

• Offer guidance, mentoring, and space for questions

• Use practice sessions or simulations (e.g. engaging with adults, speaking in front of a group) to build confidence and capacity

Adults play a key role in enabling meaningful child participation and may also need preparation.

• Encourage openness to children’s ideas

• Be willing to share power and decision-making appropriately

• Recognise that some adults - especially leaders - may need a mindset shift to fully value children’s contributions

• Support adults to listen well and engage respectfully with children

All participation must be safe, ethical, and respectful of children’s rights.

• Participation should never compromise a child’s safety or wellbeing

• Obtain informed consent from:

  • The child

  • Their parent or guardian (where required)

• Ensure children understand what participation involves

• Children should feel free to opt out at any time without pressure

Children participate best where they feel secure, respected, and heard.

• Use familiar settings and trusted adults where possible

• Foster a culture of listening, respect, and encouragement

• Ensure both physical and emotional safety

• Help children feel confident expressing their views

Show children that their voices matter.

• Acknowledge their input during and after the event

• Celebrate their involvement appropriately

• Where possible, demonstrate how their contributions made a difference

Child participation is an ongoing process.

Ask children what they enjoyed and what could improve

• Take their feedback seriously

• Use their insights to shape future WWP events

• Hart’s Ladder of Participation – a helpful model for understanding different levels of child participation

• Biblical and Theology Framework for Child Participation in the Missio Dei

• Child Participation Guidance from World Vision (more here)

• Viva’s Cutting Edge seminar on child participation, with a summary here