Age Based Rights

Youth in British Columbia reach significant milestones at different ages, granting them distinct legal rights and freedoms.

  • Age 5
  • Age 12
  • Age 14
  • Age 16
  • Age 18
  • Age 19

Here are some of your rights as a 5 year old

  • All children have the right to live and develop in a healthy way
  • You must go to school until you are 16
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Here are some of your rights as a 12 year old

  • You can now be charged with a crime. If you are suspected of committing a crime you will be treated under the youth criminal justice system.
  • If someone wants to adopt you, they need your consent.
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Here are some of your rights as a 14 year old

  • You can work with permission of your parent or guardian as long as it is “light work”
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Here are some of your rights as a 16 year old

  • You can apply for a driver’s license with parent/guardian permission
  • You can work without needing permission of your parents, though you cannot do “hazardous work” until you are at least 18
  • Someone must be at least 16 to legally consent to sexual activities (with some exceptions)
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Here are some of your rights as a 18 year old

  • You have the right to vote if you are a Canadian citizen.
  • If you are suspected of a crime you will be treated as an adult under the criminal justice system
  • You can join the Armed Forces without needing your parent or guardian’s permission
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Here are some of your rights as a 19 year old

  • In BC, you are an adult
  • You can legally buy alcohol
  • You can get married without needing permission
  • You can legally change your name without needing parent or guardian permission
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Age Based Rights

Dive into core topics and explore in-depth information tailored to your needs.

Age 5

Here are some of your rights as a 5 year old
  • All children have the right to live and develop in a healthy way
  • You must go to school until you are 16
Read More

Age 12

Here are some of your rights as a 12 year old
  • You can now be charged with a crime. If you are suspected of committing a crime you will be treated under the youth criminal justice system.
  • If someone wants to adopt you, they need your consent.
Read More

Age 14

Here are some of your rights as a 14 year old
  • You can work with permission of your parent or guardian as long as it is “light work”
Learn More

Age 16

Here are some of your rights as a 16 year old
  • You can apply for a driver’s license with parent/guardian permission
  • You can work without needing permission of your parents, though you cannot do “hazardous work” until you are at least 18
  • Someone must be at least 16 to legally consent to sexual activities (with some exceptions)
Read More

Age 17

Here are some of your rights as a 17 year old
  • You can change your name with parental permission.
  • Your consent required for adoption.
  • You can work with parental consent.
  • Age of consent if partner is less than two years older.
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Age 18

Here are some of your rights as a 18 year old
  • You have the right to vote if you are a Canadian citizen.
  • If you are suspected of a crime you will be treated as an adult under the criminal justice system
  • You can join the Armed Forces without needing your parent or guardian’s permission
Learn More

Age 19

Here are some of your rights as a 19 year old
  • In BC, you are an adult
  • You can legally buy alcohol
  • You can get married without needing permission
  • You can legally change your name without needing parent or guardian permission
Read More
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