The term child soldier refers broadly to the participation of children in war, associated with government forces as well as armed groups. Historically and in the contemporary period, children have directly participated in conflict as combatants themselves as well as in support roles such as porters, spies, messengers, look outs, and sexual slaves.
Red Hand Day on February 12 is an annual commemoration day to draw public attention to the practice of using children as soldiers in wars and armed conflicts.