The NSPCC is challenging MPs to make a commitment to protecting the rights of children in three key areas:
* Ending physical punishment and giving children the same protection under the law as adults
* Making the internet a safe environment for children
* Ensuring that young people have someone to turn to via helplines, school counselling or independent advice services.
The NSPCC began a tour of the UK on 18 April to ask every local candidate to sign the election pledge and urge members of the public to join the campaign.
Voters can check whether their local candidates have signed the pledge on the NSPCC Vote for Children website, and e-mail candidates who have not yet signed up.
NSPCC director and chief executive Mary Marsh said, 'The website will help voters find out which candidates are really committed to doing more for children. The more signatures we receive, the more chance there is that the next Government will provide vulnerable children with someone to turn to.'
The charity 4Children is also encouraging greater political commitment to children and families with its Shout Out For Children Day on 27 April. The charity will host a national debate at Westminster on childcare, children and family issues, involving senior politicians from the three major political parties.
As part of the campaign, prospective parliamentary candidates will also visit childcare settings on 27 April to explain their views on children and childcare.
Childcare settings and clubs can invite their local candidate to visit using a model letter available on the 4Children website. There is also a downloadable election postcard with six key questions for voters to test their local candidate's commitment to children and families.
Graeme Cooke, parliamentary, policy and information officer at 4Children, said, 'Childcare makes a real difference to people's lives. Although political parties have mentioned childcare, their manifestos are still very "macho". We hope the Shout Out For Children Day will force them to focus on these issues.'
To find out which parliamentary candidates have signed the NSPCC's election pledge for children, see www.nspcc.org.uk/ voteforchildren.
For more information on 4Children's election campaign, log on to www.4children.org.uk/ howwhenwhat.