Experiencing Children’s and Youth Rights Through Play

Department of Social Work with a booth at the Long Night of Research 2026

The department of Social Work took part in the “Long Night of Research” with a booth on children’s and youth rights. At the center was an interactive quiz that enabled children, young people (and parents) to discover their rights – from participation and protection to education, leisure, and health

Many young visitors playfully tested their knowledge, engaged in conversation, and took away practical everyday tips: Where can I get support? How can I make my voice heard? What does the “right to protection” mean at school, in leisure time, or online?

Our booth presented, in a concise and accessible way, why children’s and youth rights are the foundation for growing up fairly and safely - and how everyone can contribute to this in everyday life. On children’s rights posters, we worked with booth visitors to create a snapshot of which rights are considered especially important and are currently not sufficiently protected.

Participation in the Long Night of Research highlights the close connection between academic study, practical experience, and social responsibility in the bachelor’s program in Social Work at MCI. Exploring children’s and youth rights is a central component of the curriculum:

Students acquire professional and legal knowledge regarding protection, participation, and equal opportunities, and learn to provide professional support to children and youth in their everyday lives. Promoting and strengthening children’s rights is an essential component of Social Work and helps to support young people in their development and effectively represent their interests.