noun
child soldier
Refers to a person under 18 who is recruited or used by armed forces or groups. Often discussed in human rights contexts. Compare with 少年兵, which may emphasize a young male soldier.
See also: 少年兵
紛争地域では、多くの子ども兵が戦闘に参加させられている。
In conflict zones, many child soldiers are forced to take part in combat.
国際社会は子ども兵の使用を非難している。
The international community condemns the use of child soldiers.
少年兵 specifically means 'boy soldier' and often implies a young male, while 子ども兵 is gender-neutral and broader, encompassing all children used in armed conflict.
Compound of 子ども (child) and 兵 (soldier). A modern term reflecting international human rights discourse.