Satisfying children’s needs is proof of fulfilling SDGs. Social inequality, poverty or aggravating conflicts are serious obstacles to the development for this social group, which requires special protection. Fundamental standards of the protection of the youngest and honouring their rights are determined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child (one of the documents ratified most readily by countries, the initiator of which, along with some other countries, was Poland). The 35th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly and the 70th anniversary of establishing the International Children’s Day, both celebrated in 2024, are a perfect occasion to reflect on the needs, rights and situation of children.

The share of children in the general population of both Poland and the whole world is decreasing. In Poland, the percentage of children and adolescents in the whole population is much lower than the world’s average. According to the UN data, the share of children and young adults (aged 0-24) in the global population decreased from 45% in 2010 to 41% in 2023. In the same period, the share of the youngest population in Poland fell from 29% to 25%.

This year’s edition of the report presents information about the situation of the youngest inhabitants of Poland with selected comparisons to the European Union. We are trying to answer questions concerning the situation of children in Poland, including those regarding the conditions they live in, types of families with children, children’s health and their presence in the digital world. The report also shows the challenges relating to children in the context of fulfilling SDGs.

As in previous editions of the report, we are presenting only selected phenomena and general trends. Those of our Readers who are interested in more detailed information can refer to comprehensive databases of official statistics and follow updates on the Statistics Poland’s website and the SDG Platform.

We wish you pleasant reading.

Date of publication: 4th December 2024