Tourism may boost economies but can also lead to the sexual exploitation of children. Political conflict and strife leads to displacement and disruption of children's lives. These examples clearly indicate the need to keep in mind the impact of these changes on the lives of children. Levels of participation vary with both age and subject matter. There is also a wide gap in the potential of children for participation and the limited opportunities presented by society to exercise them.
Different societies have their unique perceptions on what childhood means.
The reality is that in some societies, childhood is protected and dependent. In others, children have to assume adult roles. Children may have to contribute to the economic well-being of their families. Some childhoods can even be exploitative in nature. The childhood of girls is very different from that of boys, even in the same family.