The Asylum Seekers and Refugees Solidarity Association (ARSA) has taken another important step to ensure that children can express themselves in safe and inclusive environments. Within ARSA’s Child Committee, children actively participated in the creation of the “Peer Behavior Principles” and completed the process collectively.

Children from different age groups were not only listeners but direct decision-makers and content creators throughout the work. Together, they defined age-appropriate behavior rules focusing on respect, safety, inclusion, sharing, protection of personal belongings, anti-bullying, and peaceful problem-solving. While the 6–9 age group document expresses these principles in a simple and play-based format, the version for ages 10–14 includes broader topics such as personal boundaries, digital safety, non-discrimination, group communication, and fairness.

Throughout the process, ARSA provided an environment where children had the right to speak, felt safe, and were encouraged to participate equally. Allowing children to create their own rules strengthens their awareness of safe spaces, supports the prevention of bullying, improves peer relationships, and offers them a meaningful experience of democratic decision-making.

ARSA stated that the principles developed through the active participation of children will serve as a guiding framework for all child-focused activities and that efforts to strengthen child participation will continue regularly.