Paediatric nursing and children's autonomy

Summary• The topic of children's rights is a wide‐ranging and complex subject, and in recognition of this fact this paper specifically addresses the concept of the right of children to make decisions about their own health‐care. • This paper explores the many factors which may influence a child's right to autonomy, including family relationships and the broader external influences exerted by health‐care workers. • The discussion highlights the dilemmas which may be faced by nurses when their values and beliefs, or hierarchical position within the health‐care structure, inhibit their ability to promote children's autonomy.