What age range is generally referred to as “children”?

After birth, a child’s life can be divided into distinct developmental stages, each with its own specific terminology. So, what age range does the term “child” generally refer to? Let’s explore this together.

What Age Range Does “Child” Generally Encompass?

According to international conventions, individuals aged 0–18 years are classified as children. However, in everyday usage, the term “childhood” typically refers to the period from 3 to 14 years of age. Within the broader 0–18-year span, development is further subdivided into seven distinct phases: the fetal period (the 40 weeks of gestation), the neonatal period (the first 28 days after birth), infancy (from birth to 1 year), and early childhood (1–3 years).

The period from 3 to 6 years is termed the preschool age; age 6 marks the beginning of the school-age period. Puberty generally commences between ages 10 and 12, during which individual physical development varies significantly. In China, most hospitals stipulate that children under 14 years of age should be treated in pediatric departments; in general hospitals, pediatric services typically extend only up to age 14. However, some international experts advocate extending the upper age limit for pediatric care to 18 years. In specialized children’s hospitals—particularly for endocrine disorders and pubertal conditions—care may indeed continue up to age 18. Thus, in clinical practice, individuals under 18 years are generally considered children.

Legally, “child” refers to individuals aged 0–18 years. Similarly, in psychology, the definition of childhood also spans 0–18 years. Therefore, the precise age range denoted by “child” varies depending on the context or discipline.

The above outlines the various definitions of “child” in terms of age. We hope this explanation proves helpful to you.