Short answers, pulled from the story.
The concept of childhood as a separate, protected stage of life emerged in the 17th century. French historian Philippe Ariès argued that before this shift, children were viewed as miniature adults rather than a distinct category of human being.
The Factory Acts were laws passed in the 19th century to mitigate the exploitation of children in the workplace. These acts were a direct response to the harsh realities of industrialization in England starting in 1760, where children worked in dangerous conditions in factories and mines.
Lewis Carroll published Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in 1865 in England. This work is regarded as the first English masterpiece written for children and opened the First Golden Age of children's literature.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines a child as a human being below the age of 18 years. This treaty has been ratified by 192 of 194 member countries to establish a global standard for the protection of children.
As of 2010, approximately 13 million children were displaced by armed conflicts and violence around the world. These conflicts significantly disrupt the lives of young children and make it difficult for families to offer the sensitive care needed for healthy development.
Richard Louv coined the term Nature Deficit Disorder in his 2005 book Last Child in the Woods. The term refers to the trend in the United States and Canada towards less time for outdoor play and increased use of electronic media by children.