Age Based Rights

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

Adults making decisions about you should take your views seriously, even if they might not always be able to do exactly what you want. 

This right becomes especially important if 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. See Your Rights in Care: What You Need to Know and Dealing with Your Parents’ Separation or Divorce.

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. 

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?

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.

Get a Lawyer (non criminal)

The Child & 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. Call: 778-657-5544 or toll free at 1-877-462-0037

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.

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).
 

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. 

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

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. 

Right to a Lawyer

If you’re a youth in BC who’s been arrested, you have the right to speak to a lawyer. You also have rights under the Youth Criminal Justice Act to talk to your parents or another trusted adult, and to have them along with a lawyer in the room with you if you choose to talk to police. 

To contact a free lawyer, call Legal Aid at 604-408-2172 (Greater Vancouver) or 1-866-577-2525 (elsewhere in BC).

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.