“Is This Person a Child?” – Scenario Decision Exercise
Purpose
This exercise helps police officers recognise that a child is defined by age, not by appearance, work, marriage, or social role.
It exposes common misconceptions that exist in society and sometimes in policing practice.
Instructions for Trainers
Provide participants with a short list of real-life situations and ask them to decide:
“Is this person legally a child or an adult?”
Participants answer Child / Not a Child.
After discussion, the trainer reveals the correct answer.
Scenario Cards
Scenario 1
A 17-year-old boy working in a mechanic workshop full-time.
Question for participants:
Is he a child?
Correct answer:
Yes. He is a child because he is under 18.
Scenario 2
A 16-year-old girl who is married and living with her husband.
Question:
Is she a child?
Correct answer:
Yes. Marriage does not change the legal definition of a child.
Scenario 3
A 15-year-old boy driving a motorcycle and working as a delivery rider.
Question:
Is he a child?
Correct answer:
Yes. Working or appearing independent does not make someone an adult.
Scenario 4
A 19-year-old college student who looks very young.
Question:
Is this person a child?
Correct answer:
No. The person is legally an adult because they are over 18.
Scenario 5
A 17-year-old domestic worker employed in a house.
Question:
Is this person a child?
Correct answer:
Yes.
Trainer Conclusion
After discussion, the trainer explains clearly:
In policing practice, a child is any person under 18 years of age.
Work, marriage, physical maturity, or independence do not change this definition.
