What were the experiences of child soldiers in the Iran-Iraq War?

Child soldiers were used by both the Iranians and Iraqis, but it was Iran that used children in enormous numbers, 150,000 children and teenagers (as young as 12 years). The education system supported the practice. Ayatollah Khomeini encouraged it and actually met frequently with leaders of the Basiji forces. They were indoctrinated, armed (mostly) and placed in combat situations. They also filled Iraqi POW camps for years after the conflict ceased. Having personally met families who lost children in the war I can only begin to appreciate the years of grief that followed. This source-based homework task is designed for students of the NSW Modern History Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum.
Higher School Certificate course
National Studies
Option H: Iran 1953-1989