7 August 2025
Minute read
10 FACTS ABOUT CHILD SOLDIERS
Discover the reality of life for child soldiers
Across the world, children are being pulled into armed conflicts – some are recruited, others forced. But how does this happen? Who is responsible? And what can be done to stop it?
If you want to understand the complex reasons children become soldiers – and what life is really like for those affected – read on. These ten essential facts will help shed light on one of the world’s most urgent child protection issues.
10 Facts - Jump to:
- Child soldiers are those under 18 who are in armed groups or forces
- There are 15 countries where child soldiers are still widely used
- The UK still technically recruits child soldiers
- The majority of child soldier recruitment happens in Africa
- Over 17 years, more than 100,000 children were recruited
- Up to 40% of child soldiers are girls
- Some children “choose” to become child soldiers
- Child soldiers aren’t only made to fight
- Even if children leave, they can struggle to reintegrate
- You can help children avoid conflict
Donate now to help children reclaim their childhood.
1. Child soldiers are those under 18 who are in armed groups or forces
The term child soldier refers to anyone under the age of 18 who is part of an armed force or armed group. While many people picture children on the frontlines, the reality is much broader - and more disturbing. According to the Paris Principles (2007), the term refers to "any person below 18 years of age who is or who has been recruited or used by an armed force or armed group in any capacity, including but not limited to children, boys and girls, used as fighters, cooks, porters, spies or for sexual purposes. It does not only refer to a child who is taking or has taken a direct part in hostilities."
2. Child soldiers are still recruited by armed groups in at least 15 countries
The recruitment and use of children in armed conflict — considered a grave violation of international law —continues in countries such as Syria, South Sudan and others. Recent reports also highlight increased child recruitment by armed groups in Haiti.
3. The UK still technically recruits child soldiers
By international definition, a child soldier is any person under the age of 18 who is recruited or used by an armed force or group, whether voluntarily or by force. Under current UK law, individuals can join the armed forces at age 16 with parental consent. While they cannot be deployed to active combat until they turn 18, they are still considered military personnel during their training. This practice makes the UK unique: it is the only country in Europe that routinely recruits minors into its military and is one of fewer than 20 countries worldwide that allow enlistment at age 16.
4. The majority of child soldier recruitment happens in Africa
Although there are some countries outside of the continent that still widely use child soldiers – including Iraq, Myanmar, the Philippines, Syria and Yemen – the majority of child soldier recruitment today happens in Africa. Ongoing conflicts in countries such as the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have led to widespread recruitment by both armed groups and, in some cases, state-aligned forces.
READ MORE: 10 Facts about the DRC
5. Over 17 years, more than 100,000 children were recruited
Although it’s impossible to know the exact number of boys and girls who are currently being used by armed forces, UNICEF estimates that between 2005 and 2022, more than 105,000 children were recruited and used by parties in conflict. This is only the verified number and, as such, the minimum, although the organisation believes the true number is likely much higher.
6. Up to 40% of child soldiers are girls
Many may think that boys are more susceptible to being recruited into conflict than girls. However, it's estimated that up to 40% of child soldiers within certain conflicts are, in fact, girls. Girls face specific risks, including sexual violence, forced marriage, and underage pregnancy. Often recruited as “wives” or domestic workers, many are also subjected to sexual exploitation and abuse, making their experiences especially complex and underreported.
7. Some children “choose” to become child soldiers
Although many children are recruited by force, a large number feel they have nowhere else to turn – and so “choose” to become child soldiers. This is a choice no child should ever have to make, often driven by a lack of food, safety, education, or family support, and a profound loss of identity and security. In conflict zones, children are unlikely to have access to basic services like healthcare and schooling, and many have lost their closest relatives. In times like these – when pushed to the brink – joining an armed group can seem like the only possible way out. It may appear to be a choice, but it’s one made under extreme pressure, and no child should ever be placed in such a position.
8. Child soldiers aren’t only made to fight
When we picture child soldiers, we might think that the only role this can take is children being forced into hostilities and fighting. However, as well as fighters, children are utilised by armed forces and armed groups for other reasons, including as cooks or porters, as spies or for sexual purposes. Whichever role a child takes within a conflict, they’ll experience long-term negative effects.
9. Even if children leave, they can struggle to reintegrate
Even children who find the strength and bravery to leave and return home might find they struggle to reintegrate. It can be common for children who do attempt to reintegrate not to be accepted due to suspicion and rejection from locals and even their own families. Equally, even if a child is accepted back, they may find that the lasting effects of their involvement in the conflict make it hard for them to process their experience and feel comfortable in “normal life”.
READ MORE: Grace's escape
10. You can help children avoid conflict
Thankfully, there are a range of organisations around the world working to end child soldier recruitment and help children in armed conflict, including World Vision. As an international children’s charity, we are working globally to help hundreds of thousands of children facing the worst hardships in life and assist communities to make things better for the next generation. Through community-led projects and by working with local leaders, we are able to assist in creating the long-lasting change needed to protect children from the harshest realities of conflict, poverty, and more.
Ready to join the fight against child soldier recruitment? Donate below, or read more about the ways World Vision are supporting children at risk.
