There are certainly strong reasons for the special care of children in migration policy. This is also established in international children’s rights standards and accepted by most governments. However, this has raised a particular issue: how should authorities assess whether a migrant is below or above 18? If recognised as a child, he or she might be granted the right to stay. If considered an adult, the migrant could quickly end up in detention and be deported. Several European states have used X-ray tests to determine if a person is a minor or not. X-ray pictures are taken of the hand, wrist or teeth and these are then compared with standardised tables to determine the “bone age” of an individual. However, more and more medical specialists are contesting this approach: it is not sufficiently precise for age assessment and it subjects the individuals to unnecessary radiation. That is why new, multidisciplinary assessments are necessary and they should respect the child's culture, dignity and physical integrity. And as a basic rule, migrant children should be received with respect and empathy, instead of mistrust and unnecessary examinations.