The image of a child and childhood is differet in every culture and is subject to social change. The development of modern society, based on individuality, autonomy and human rights has influenced the creation of the modern image of the child and childhood, which provides the child with the opportunity and right to express themself and to participate, leaving the traditional image of a passive and underdeveloped child aside. The modern perception of the child and his rights has created contradictions that distance the praxis from the documents that allow children social inclusion and protection. The Convention on the Rights of the Child advocates child's right to be socially active, through his action towards certain social aspirations. While modern parenting and society as a whole still protect the child from social activity and participation in solving social problems. Many authors believe in and advocate for children's participation, and share positive outcomes, such as children's independence and creative solutions to social problems. Society is gradually reducing the disparity between theoretical participation and children's participation in practice, an example are certain Croatian cities that have included children in the activities of the city council. In addition to adults, children themselves also took a step towards their own independence and participation in the society in which they live.Children, like Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai, decided to show through their activism what children want, what is important to them and what is their place in the society. Through their actions and desire for change, they presented a new image of a child and childhood, more advanced and active than the one that was constructed by adults.