The term "Puppet Children" refers to individuals, usually minors, who are being manipulated or controlled by others for personal or political gain. This expression metaphorically depicts these individuals as puppets, often implying that they are being easily influenced or used as tools by others.
The concept of Puppet Children can encompass various circumstances where the innocence and vulnerability of children are exploited. This can occur in different contexts, such as within families, criminal organizations, or even in the socio-political arena. In the family context, it can refer to children who are coerced or forced into engaging in criminal activities by their parents or guardians. For instance, they may be used as drug mules or recruited for illegal activities due to their perceived lower risk of detection or punishment.
In a wider societal and political context, the term Puppet Children can also be associated with child soldiers or child laborers who are forced into armed conflicts or hazardous work against their will. Here, the emphasis is on the fact that they are mere puppets, manipulated and controlled by others with certain motives or agendas, whether it be economic gain or political power.
The term Puppet Children highlights the plight of these individuals, who often lack agency and autonomy over their own lives. It underscores the importance of protecting children from exploitation, abuse, and manipulation, as they are particularly vulnerable due to their age and dependence on others for care and guidance.
