concept

Grey Aliens

Also known as: Greys, Roswell Greys, Zeta Reticulans, Grey alien eyes, Grays, Small Grey entities

synthesized from dimensions

Grey Aliens, also known as Zeta Reticulans or Roswell Greys, represent the most prominent archetype in modern ufology and abduction narratives. They are consistently described as small, frail, humanoid beings, typically standing about four feet tall, characterized by slender limbs, gray skin, and large, bulbous heads that taper to narrow chins. Their most striking feature is a pair of oversized, almond-shaped black eyes that lack visible pupils or irises standard physical description. Often reported to move with a gliding motion and emit an ammonia-like odor, these entities are frequently categorized into smaller, drone-like beings and more intelligent, imposing "Tall Greys" smaller drone types and intelligent Tall Grays.

The behavioral profile associated with Grey Aliens in abduction reports is highly uniform. Witnesses frequently describe telepathic communication telepathic communication, the ability to induce paralysis, and the capacity to pass through solid objects like walls. The core of these encounters often involves invasive medical procedures, including genetic sampling, sperm and egg harvesting, and the insertion of implants genetic harvesting activities. A recurring theme in this lore is a hybrid program aimed at creating human-Grey offspring, which are sometimes presented to abductees as having intermediate physical traits hybrid child presentation.

The cultural significance of the Grey archetype was solidified by landmark cases and media, most notably the Betty and Barney Hill abduction prototyped the Grey description and the 1988 publication of Whitley Strieber’s *Communion* Communion popularization. This has created a self-reinforcing media-experience feedback loop media-experience feedback loop, where the ubiquity of the image in science fiction and film—such as *Close Encounters of the Third Kind*—influences the expectations and reports of witnesses Greys image sci-fi influence.

Theories regarding the nature of Grey Aliens are diverse and often speculative. Extraterrestrial hypotheses suggest they originate from star systems like Zeta Reticuli or Orion, potentially evolving in low-gravity environments Orion/Pleiades origins. Other perspectives include the interdimensional hypothesis interdimensional hypothesis, the temporal theory that they are future humans temporal theory humans, or the cryptoterrestrial hypothesis cryptoterrestrial hypothesis. More critical or psychological interpretations view them as archetypal manifestations, such as the "Mother Hypothesis," which links their appearance to infant perception of caregivers Mother Hypothesis, or as "Machine Elves" similar to those reported in psychedelic experiences Machine Elves similarity.

Despite the intensity of these accounts and the use of investigative methods like hypnotic regression hypnotic regression techniques and physical trace analysis physical trace evidence, definitive, scientifically verifiable evidence of their existence remains elusive no non-terrestrial evidence. Skeptics argue that the phenomenon is a product of imaginative intelligence archetypes imaginative intelligence archetypes, while proponents maintain that the consistency of reports across global events, such as the Zimbabwe school case Zimbabwe school case, warrants continued, balanced investigation into whether these encounters represent a genuine anomalous phenomenon scientific approach balance.

Model Perspectives (3)
openrouter/x-ai/grok-4.1-fast definitive 65% confidence
Grey Aliens, also known as Zeta Reticulans or Roswell Greys, are frequently described in claims and accounts as humanoid beings with long limbs and large black eyes, bulbous heads tapering to narrow chins, almond-shaped black eyes without pupils, minimalist facial features, frail spindly bodies, and gray skin, often moving with a gliding motion and emitting odors like ammonia. They are categorized into smaller drone types and intelligent Tall Grays. Abduction reports detail telepathic communication, emotional projection to calm victims, paralysis induction, levitation through walls, reproductive medical procedures like egg harvesting, tissue sampling, amnesia, and physical traces such as scars. The Betty and Barney Hill case prototyped the Grey description and linked them to Zeta Reticuli via a star map. Their image was popularized by Spielberg's Close Encounters in 1977 and Strieber's Communion cover in 1988, forming a media-experience feedback loop. Author Nigel Kerner claims Greys are bio-robots from a vanished civilization lacking souls, acting as AI probes hacking human DNA since biblical times to instill traits like violence and racism, seeking human souls to master death, with Jesus as an uncorrupted line. He advises soul development for protection. Accounts like Miriam Delicado's suggest short Greys as subordinates to taller blondes. John E. Mack noted a subculture with detailed mythos, while skeptics like Steven Novella view Greys as imaginative intelligence archetypes. Consistent global reports suggest either a phenomenon or shared cultural scripting.
openrouter/x-ai/grok-4.1-fast definitive 92% confidence
Grey aliens, often described as small (about four feet tall), slender beings with large heads, necks, and huge black almond-shaped eyes, dominate modern UFO abduction narratives and popular culture. standard physical description. Abductees report telepathic communication, paralysis induction, passing through solid objects, and advanced medical procedures like genetic sampling, sperm/egg harvesting, and implant insertion. telepathic communication. genetic harvesting activities. A central theme is a hybrid program creating human-Grey offspring, shown to abductees, with hybrids displaying intermediate traits like larger eyes and more muscular builds than pure Greys. hybrid child presentation. Various hypotheses explain their nature: extraterrestrial from Orion or Zeta Reticuli with low-gravity adaptations Orion/Pleiades origins; interdimensional interdimensional hypothesis; future humans per temporal theory temporal theory humans; synthetic AI probes lacking souls per author Nigel Kerner synthetic AI probes; or cryptoterrestrials hidden on Earth cryptoterrestrial hypothesis. Psychological views include psychologist Frederick V. Malmstrom's 'Mother Hypothesis' linking imagery to infant perception of caregivers Mother Hypothesis. Motivations range from genetic revitalization due to their dying species dying species claim, planetary acquisition per Dr. David M. Jacobs planetary acquisition, or caretaking per Miriam Delicado caretakers mission. Cultural icons like Whitley Strieber's 'Communion' and media such as 'The X-Files' popularized the archetype, comprising 73% of U.S. encounters. Communion popularization. Reports vary by region and type, with Greys as helpers or drones in hierarchies. No government acknowledgment exists despite conspiracies like Eisenhower treaties or Roswell recoveries.
openrouter/x-ai/grok-4.1-fast 45% confidence
Grey aliens are frequently described in abduction reports as small, thin, frail beings with expressionless faces, appearing diligent and purposeful yet lacking emotional depth, consistent across unrelated cases according to Hangar 1 Publishing and researcher Sanjay Kapoor They're diligent and purposeful. Their physique is speculated to suggest origins from a low-gravity world, making Earth's gravity challenging small, thin, frail creatures. Reports show remarkable consistency, including parallels with 'Machine Elves' seen in DMT experiences (Wikipedia) Machine Elves similarity and mass witness events like the Zimbabwe school case involving over 60 children (Hangar 1 Publishing; Sanjay Kapoor) Zimbabwe school case. Researchers employ methods such as hypnotic regression to recover memories hypnotic regression techniques, multiple independent witness evaluation multiple witness testimony, medical exams for scars and changes medical examination of abductees, and physical trace analysis at sites physical trace evidence. However, definitive non-terrestrial evidence remains elusive despite thousands of encounters (Hangar 1 Publishing; Sanjay Kapoor) no non-terrestrial evidence, with scientific inquiry challenged by phenomena potentially blending consciousness and reality Grey encounters anomalous. Perspectives emphasize evidence over belief Greys real but evidence matters, balanced skepticism scientific approach balance, and the value of probing their implications, whether extraterrestrial or psychological (Hangar 1 Publishing; Sanjay Kapoor) engaging Grey questions. Their stereotypical image may draw from pre-existing sci-fi rather than solely Whitley Strieber's 'Communion' (Shortform) Greys image sci-fi influence.

Facts (106)

Sources
Grey Aliens Exposed - Hangar 1 Publishing hangar1publishing.com Sanjay Kapoor · Hangar 1 Publishing 75 facts
quote"They're diligent and purposeful but seem to lack emotional depth, which is consistent with their expressionless faces," noted one abduction researcher regarding the behavioral consistency of Grey aliens across unrelated cases.
claimThe 1947 Roswell crash is the most famous case involving the alleged recovery of Grey alien bodies and technology.
claimThe diversity of reported activities and contradictory information regarding Grey aliens suggests that they may have complex motivations, that different factions of Grey aliens may have different agendas, or that the experiences are human psychological projections based on individual beliefs and fears.
claimThere are two distinct types of Greys, both originating from the Zeta Reticulan star system: the Hollywood 'grays' seen in pop culture, and the slightly taller greyish-blue non-human intelligence (NHI) known as Ebens.
claimSome researchers propose that Grey aliens, particularly the drone-like Short Greys, operate via a hive mind or collective consciousness.
claimBoth male and female abductees report having skin, blood, and tissue samples taken by Grey entities using instruments unlike anything in conventional medicine.
claimMedical procedures performed by Grey entities on abductees focus on reproduction and genetics, including gynecological examinations, egg harvesting, and embryo implantation or removal for females, and sperm collection for males.
claimSome researchers view the Grey alien hybrid program as primarily experimental, with no single definitive goal.
claimAuthor Nigel Kerner proposes that Grey aliens are artificial intelligence or synthetic biological entities, acting as probes or drones rather than the primary intelligent species, which explains their lack of individual differentiation, limited emotional range, and focus on efficiency.
perspectiveEngaging with the questions raised by Grey aliens is potentially as important as discovering the final answers regarding their nature, whether they are visitors from distant stars, manifestations of human consciousness, or something that transcends this dichotomy.
perspectiveMiriam Delicado interprets the purpose of Grey aliens as being the caretakers of Earth, with a mission to enlighten humanity, increase self-awareness, and prevent the destruction of the planet and its inhabitants.
claimThe hybrid program, which involves the creation of beings combining human and Grey genetic material, is a recurring theme in abduction literature.
claimWitnesses describe Grey aliens using advanced medical instruments that can scan human bodies non-invasively, extract samples without conventional incisions, and manipulate tissue at the cellular level.
claimMost abductees experience partial or complete amnesia regarding the abduction event, with memories often emerging later through dreams, flashbacks, or hypnotic regression.
claimHybrid beings reported by abductees are typically described as having larger eyes than humans but smaller than pure Grey aliens, slight bodies that are more muscular than Grey aliens, and minimal hair.
claimThe television show 'American Dad' and the film 'Paul' (2011) utilized humor to humanize the depiction of Grey aliens.
claimSome researchers propose that Grey aliens may be primarily interested in human consciousness rather than biology, potentially studying or attempting to influence human spiritual development.
claimHybrid beings reported by witnesses display characteristics intermediate between Greys and humans, including more human-like proportions, larger eyes than humans (but smaller than pure Greys), reduced hair, and visible external ears and noses.
claimThe television series 'The X-Files' (1993-2002) established Grey aliens as central figures in government conspiracy narratives.
claimResearchers have reportedly removed and examined implants allegedly placed in abductees by Grey aliens, finding unusual compositions including rare earth elements and unusual isotope ratios that resist conventional analysis.
claimBefore the 1980s, reports of alien encounters featured a much wider variety of descriptions of beings than the standardized Grey image that became prevalent later.
claimSome researchers propose that Grey encounters may involve genuine anomalous phenomena that interface with human consciousness in ways that suggest a complex interaction between consciousness and reality, rather than being strictly physical or strictly psychological.
perspectiveAuthor Nigel Kerner and other researchers propose that Grey aliens may be a form of advanced artificial intelligence or biomechanical entities rather than naturally evolved beings, citing their standardized appearance and lack of individuality as evidence.
claimThe interdimensional hypothesis suggests that Grey aliens do not originate from another planet but from another dimension or plane of existence that occasionally intersects with Earth, potentially explaining their reported ability to pass through solid objects or appear and disappear suddenly.
claimMost abductees report receiving telepathic messages from Grey entities, such as 'Don't be afraid' or 'We won't harm you,' during the initial phase of an abduction.
claimThe cryptoterrestrial hypothesis suggests that Grey aliens are an indigenous Earth species that evolved alongside humans but remained hidden in isolated environments like subterranean or underwater locations.
claimScientific investigation of Grey aliens is challenged by the need for rigorous methodology while addressing phenomena that potentially transcend current scientific paradigms.
claimReported activities of Grey aliens include Earth resource sampling (collecting plant, animal, and mineral samples), technological monitoring (interest in human weapons systems and energy production), and social observation (studying human social structures and behaviors).
claimPhysical traces of abduction events can include unexplained scars, bruises, or marks, clothing in disarray or worn incorrectly, and periods of missing time.
accountA prominent conspiracy theory alleges that President Dwight Eisenhower met with Grey alien representatives at Edwards Air Force Base in 1954 and established a treaty where the aliens provided advanced technology to the U.S. government in exchange for permission to conduct human abductions for research.
quote"The Grey alien entities, reported in tens of thousands of abductions, appear to be biomachines, synthetic beings sent out as AI probes to gather information about something they lack that humans and other natural beings possess: a soul."
procedureResearchers studying Grey aliens utilize hypnotic regression techniques, which involve specialized protocols designed to minimize suggestion while facilitating the recovery of suppressed memories.
perspectiveDr. David M. Jacobs suggests that the Grey alien hybrid program represents a form of 'planetary acquisition,' where hybrid beings are gradually introduced to pass as humans while maintaining loyalty to Grey directives, potentially leading to the infiltration of human society.
claimThe standardized protocol of Grey alien abductions, replicated across thousands of reports worldwide, suggests either that thousands of unconnected individuals are independently constructing identical experiences or that a consistent, unusual phenomenon is occurring.
quoteUFO researcher Paul Ascough stated: "There are several authors and investigators who believe that western governments have colluded with the 'grey' Aliens to such an extent that advanced technologies have been passed down to them and an ongoing dialogue and cooperation exists even now."
claimAbductees frequently report being floated or levitated through solid objects like windows or ceilings by Grey entities, suggesting the use of advanced technology or dimensional manipulation.
claimSome abduction accounts report that Grey aliens originate from the Orion constellation or the Pleiades star cluster.
claimThe temporal theory suggests that Grey aliens are humans from the distant future who have evolved or genetically engineered themselves, and their interest in human genetics is an attempt to address genetic deterioration in their own timeline.
procedureResearchers studying Grey aliens utilize multiple witness testimony evaluation, which gives greater weight to cases involving separate witnesses who independently report consistent details.
claimThe diversity among Grey types may indicate they are different subspecies of a single evolving race, specialized biological forms engineered for specific functions, different generations of an evolving synthetic program, or distinct species that share anatomical features.
procedureResearchers studying Grey aliens utilize medical examination of abductees to document unusual scars, marks, and physiological changes following reported encounters.
claimGrey aliens are consistently reported to communicate telepathically with humans, speaking directly into the human mind without the use of verbal language.
claimThe hierarchical structure and specialization of Grey aliens resembles patterns seen in human organizations, raising questions about convergent social evolution or connections to human development.
claimThe extraterrestrial hypothesis for Grey aliens gained support following Betty Hill's star map, which allegedly pointed to the Zeta Reticuli binary star system.
claimMany abduction accounts describe Grey aliens passing through solid objects such as walls, closed windows, and locked doors, and levitating humans through these barriers.
claimThe genetic harvest hypothesis, which posits that Grey aliens collect human genetic material, is the most commonly reported activity in abduction accounts.
claimProponents of the extraterrestrial hypothesis suggest that Grey alien physical characteristics, such as slight frames and large eyes, may be evolutionary adaptations to lower gravity and a dimmer binary star system.
claimDefinitively non-terrestrial physical evidence for Grey aliens remains elusive despite thousands of reported encounters.
procedureResearchers studying Grey aliens utilize physical trace evidence analysis, which involves examining landing sites for soil composition changes, radiation anomalies, plant growth alterations, and other measurable environmental effects.
claimSome researchers suggest that the Grey alien hybrid program represents a form of gradual colonization, creating beings capable of surviving in Earth's environment while maintaining Grey genetic influence.
claimMale abductees report experiences involving sperm collection during encounters with Grey aliens.
claimSteven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' (1977) established a template for benevolent, childlike Grey aliens that influenced subsequent media depictions.
claimWhile there is significant evidence suggesting official government awareness and concern regarding the UFO phenomenon, there has been no direct government acknowledgment of the existence of Grey aliens.
perspectiveThe scientific approach to researching Grey aliens requires balancing open-minded exploration with rigorous methodology, avoiding both dismissive skepticism and uncritical acceptance.
claimAbduction accounts frequently describe Grey aliens inducing paralysis in humans and manipulating human perception, often leaving nearby individuals unaware of the ongoing event.
quote"I believe the Greys are real, but my belief is ultimately irrelevant. What matters is the evidence, the consistency of reports across unconnected witnesses, and the physical traces left behind."
quote"These small, little thin, frail creatures look like they come from a world that has less gravity than the Earth. Because if they came from a planet with less gravity, this one would really be tugging on them... they'd grow more elongated, thinner."
claimSome researchers propose that Grey aliens may be experiencing reproductive difficulties or genetic deterioration, which motivates their collection of human genetic material.
claimFemale abductees frequently report undergoing gynecological procedures, egg harvesting, and the implantation or removal of embryos during encounters with Grey aliens.
quote"The 'Grey' is about four feet high, with a slender body and neck, a large head, and huge, black, slanted, almond-shaped eyes."
claimAbductees of both genders report that Grey aliens perform skin, blood, and tissue sampling.
claimSome abductees report being told by Grey aliens that the aliens are a dying species unable to reproduce naturally and require human genetic material to revitalize their genome or create hybrid beings.
claimVideo game franchises like 'X-COM' and 'Destroy All Humans!' feature Grey aliens, with 'X-COM' including Sectoids based on Greys and 'Destroy All Humans!' allowing players to control a Grey-like alien named Crypto.
claimSome researchers propose that Grey aliens represent a modern psychological manifestation of experiences that humans have reported throughout history, which were previously interpreted through religious or folkloric frameworks.
claimPsychologist Frederick V. Malmstrom proposed the 'Mother Hypothesis,' which suggests that the Grey alien image derives from how infants perceive their caregivers, specifically noting large heads, oversized eyes, and indistinct features seen through undeveloped newborn vision.
claimSome researchers propose that Grey aliens may be acting as cosmic conservationists, monitoring Earth as a biologically significant planet and intervening to prevent its destruction.
claimHybrid beings exhibit greater individuality and emotional range than pure Grey aliens.
claimSome researchers propose that the Grey alien hybrid program is a compassionate attempt to preserve both the Grey and human species through genetic combination.
claimGrey aliens reported in South America, particularly Brazil, exhibit different physical characteristics than those reported in North America and Europe, suggesting potential regional variations or specialized adaptations.
claimThe final phase of the Grey alien abduction protocol involves the return of the abductee to their original location, though they are not always found in the exact position or state they were in when taken.
measurementGrey aliens are reported in approximately 73% of alien encounters in the United States, compared to approximately 12% of alien encounters in the United Kingdom.
accountThe Zimbabwe school case, in which over 60 children separately described consistent encounters with Grey-like beings, serves as an example of multiple-witness testimony in abduction research.
claimSmall Grey entities typically appear to abductees by entering through doors or walls, or by materializing within the room after the abductee has been immobilized.
quote"I would say that these Greys were their helpers," explained Miriam Delicado regarding the relationship between the Grey beings who initially took her and the taller blonde entities she encountered aboard the craft.
claimThe 'Mother Hypothesis' proposed by Frederick V. Malmstrom suggests that Grey aliens resemble how infants perceive adult caregivers through limited visual capabilities, specifically with large heads and eyes dominating the perceptual field.
Books - Nigel Kerner nigelkerner.com Nigel Kerner · nigelkerner.com 15 facts
claimNigel Kerner contends that Grey aliens developed racism as a mechanism to prevent their genetic experiments from being compromised by breeding with humans outside their influence.
perspectiveNigel Kerner argues that Grey aliens originate from within our own physical universe and dimension, which contrasts with other theories that suggest they originate from other dimensions of reality.
claimNigel Kerner posits that the phenomenon of racism is a by-product of genetic tampering performed by Grey aliens on certain human races.
claimNigel Kerner states that humans can free themselves from the influence of Grey aliens by following spiritual laws of reincarnation and karma to achieve enlightenment, a state the Greys are unable to reach.
claimNigel Kerner argues that Grey alien genetic manipulation of humans has occurred since biblical times, leading to negative human qualities such as violence, greed, and maliciousness.
claimNigel Kerner postulates that the incessant involvement of Grey aliens with humanity is driven by a search for a soul, which he defines as a connection beyond the physical universe.
claimNigel Kerner claims that Grey aliens seek to master death by obtaining human souls, which they currently lack.
claimNigel Kerner first introduced the notion that Grey aliens are sophisticated biological robots created by a long-vanished extraterrestrial civilization in 1997.
claimNigel Kerner claims that Jesus represented an uncorrupted genetic line and warned his disciples about the threat posed by Grey alien interlopers.
claimNigel Kerner claims that Grey aliens have hacked human consciousness and DNA, superimposing an artificial construct at the foundation of human thinking processes to control humanity and prepare it for an artificially intelligent future.
claimNigel Kerner asserts that Grey aliens manipulate human DNA to create their own souls, aiming to escape the entropic grip of the material universe.
claimNigel Kerner suggests that individuals can protect their soul field and consciousness from the manipulations of Grey aliens by developing themselves on a soul level and recognizing their individual connection to divinity.
claimNigel Kerner asserts that Grey aliens do not possess a soul or any connection to that which is beyond the physical.
perspectiveNigel Kerner identifies the alien agenda of Grey aliens as entirely detrimental to the interests of humanity, a view he shares with Professor David Jacobs.
perspectiveNigel Kerner warns that humanity's reliance on smart devices and the rush toward a technologically advanced future is converting natural humanity into an artificial format, leading to the potential loss of human souls.
Reptilian Aliens: They Walk Among Us - Hangar 1 Publishing hangar1publishing.com Sanjay Kapoor · Hangar 1 Publishing 6 facts
claimSome reptilian conspiracy theories suggest that 'Grey' aliens are bioengineered servants created by reptilian aliens to perform tasks such as human abduction and experimentation.
claimSome theories suggest Grey aliens are a distinct race focused on genetic material collection due to problems with their own reproductive capabilities.
quote"There seem to be three categories of organic alien beings that have been interacting with humanity. You have your reptilian types, you have what we describe as the Nordics, and then you have the Greys."
claimResearchers at the 2018 UFO Congress in Scottsdale, Arizona, identified three categories of organic alien beings interacting with humanity: reptilians, Nordics, and Greys.
claimGrey aliens are described as having large heads, black almond-shaped eyes, and small, thin bodies.
claimSome theories suggest Grey aliens are biological robots created by reptilians to perform tasks such as human abduction and experimentation.
Alien Abduction and UFOs: Why Are Grays So Common? | Season 4 pbs.org PBS Jul 8, 2022 4 facts
claimThe appearance of 'Greys' was solidified and popularized in 1977 with Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and again in 1988 with the cover art of Whitley Strieber's book 'Communion'.
claimThe appearance of 'Grey' aliens was solidified and popularized in 1977 with Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and again in 1988 with the cover art of Whitley Strieber's book 'Communion'.
claimThe appearance of 'Greys' as a specific type of extraterrestrial was solidified and popularized in 1977 by Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and again in 1988 by the cover art of Whitley Strieber's book 'Communion'.
claimInterpretations of extraterrestrial life in the 21st century have expanded beyond traditional depictions like green Martians and Grays to include the concept of sentient beings that visit Earth to share knowledge.
Perspectives on the alien abduction phenomenon - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia 2 facts
claimDescriptions of "Machine Elves" reported by DMT users are often consistent with descriptions of "Grey" aliens.
claimThe visual description of "Machine Elves" reported by Terence McKenna is often consistent with the description of "Grey" aliens reported in abduction accounts.
The Alien Abduction Phenomenon of the Mid-20th Century - Shortform shortform.com Shortform Mar 14, 2024 2 facts
perspectiveThe stereotypical image of the Greys may have been influenced by earlier science fiction works, suggesting that the influence of Whitley Strieber's "Communion" on alien imagery could be overstated.
claimWhitley Strieber's book "Communion" and its cover art are credited with popularizing and solidifying the visual representation of the Greys as the archetypal alien in mainstream culture.
Alien abduction - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia 1 fact
claimAbduction claimants report a "child presentation" procedure where they are shown a child that appears to be a hybrid between humans and the abductors, typically identified as Greys.
Anomalous Aerial Phenomena, Abductions, and Mysterious ... scirp.org Lilian Tsappa · Scientific Research Publishing 1 fact
claimIn abduction cases involving the non-humanoid entities known as the Greys, female experiencers report a 'Hybridization/Re-seeding process' involving the abduction of humans, resulting in pregnancies and the birth of hybrid children.