Children’s confession: a threat or an aid to upbringing?

Abstract

This article explores the role of children’s confession in the context of its educational function. The aim of the study is to analyze whether the sacrament of penance serves as a support or poses a potential risk in the moral upbringing of young individuals. The author employs analytical and critical methodologies, drawing upon Catholic Church traditions, psychological and pedagogical aspects of child development, the roles of parents and confessors, as well as selected legal regulations. The article discusses topics such as the age of moral discernment, the significance of religious and moral experiences during early school years, and the responsibilities of families and clergy in preparing children for the sacrament. It also reflects on the duties of the Church and the state in ensuring appropriate conditions for children to experience confession. The study offers an attempt to answer the question regarding the educational value of children’s confession, encouraging further reflection on its place in the formation of young individuals.