Age Based Rights

Get a Lawyer for a Family or Child Protection Issue

The Society of Children and Youth Legal Centre can provide legal advice, information, and representation for children and youth in a number of areas including child protection, family law, and human rights. There is no minimum age for services; however, you must be able to consistently express your views to our staff and they can help children and youth who are up to 19 years old. Even if you are older than 19, if the legal problem started before you turned 19, they may be able to help.

Call: 778-657-5544 or toll free at 1-877-462-0037

Babysitting

There is no law setting out the minimum age for babysitting in BC. However, babysitting courses are typically only offered to children who are at least 11 years old. There is also a BC Supreme Court case which stated that children under 10 should not be left unsupervised.

Be charged with a crime

12–17: Once you turn 12 you can be charged with a crime. Until you turn 18, you will be dealt with under the Youth Criminal Justice Act if accused of a crime. Learn more at YCJA.ca.

Tattoos and Piercings

No minimum age for tattoos or piercings, however businesses can set a minimum age or require parental consent.

See Tattoos and Piercings: What You Need to Know

Working under the age of 14

Under the age of 14 an employer needs special permission permission from your parent or guardian and from the government to hire you. There are special rules for kids working as actors.

Dig deeper at Working 101.

Go to school

All kids between 5 and up until 16 years old must attend school. Most kids go to public school but there are private schools and home school options.

International Rights of the Child

UN Convention on the Right of the Child that apply to you up until you are 18. All children have the right

Not to be discriminated against
To live, be safe and develop to your fullest potential
To have a voice heard and respected in decisions that impact you
To have adults make decisions about you that are in your best interest

Dig deeper in Kids have rights!

Have a Voice

Whether your parents are separating or you are in the government’s care you have the right to express your views on things that impact your life. Adults making decisions about you should take your views seriously, even if they might not always be able to do exactly what you want.

Rent a Place to Stay

There is no minimum age when someone can enter into a rental agreement, but a landlord can decide not to rent to someone because of their age if they are under 19.

See Leaving Home Before 19.

Consent to Medical Treatment

In B.C., there is no exact age when a child can give consent. If you are under 19 but your doctor thinks you understand what the treatment means, you can choose to say yes or no to medical care, even if your parents or guardians disagree.

See When can I make my own medical decisions?

Access School Records

Students have rights of access to their own records. Parents also have the right to access their school aged child’s records.

Organ Donation

People of any age can register to be organ donors but if you are under 19 you need a parent/guardian sign on your behalf.

Consent to sex with a partner close in age

A 12 or 13 year old can consent to sexual activity with someone no more than 2 years older. The older person cannot be in a position of authority or trust (like a camp counselor or coach) and there must not be any exploitation of the younger person or dependency on the older person (like they are providing them with a place to stay).

What Rights and Responsibilities Do I have at the Age...