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Basic RightsJoin the Military without Parent/Guardian Consent
Join the Military without Parent/Guardian Consent
People 18 or older do not need permission from their parents or guardians to join the military.
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Understand your rights on the job and at school, including discrimination protections.
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Age Based Rights
Discover your rights and responsibilities at each age in British Columbia—from school attendance at age 5 to voting at 18 and beyond. This guide helps youth understand legal milestones and protections.
Join the Military with Parent/Guardian Consent
Join the Military with Parent/Guardian Consent
Most of the time you have to be at least 17 to join the military but some 16 year olds may be eligible to enroll as an Officer. Either way you'll need parent/Guardian consent.
Working under the age of 14
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.
Babysitting
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.
Work without needing permission
Work without needing permission
You don’t need parent permission to work once you are 16, but until you turn 18, you aren’t allowed to do “hazardous work” like logging.
See Working 101.
Access School Records
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.
Internships, apprenticeships, volunteering, and practicums… Oh my!
BIG IDEA
If you work like an employee, you should get paid like an employee.
If you work like an employee, you should get paid like an employee.
Explore your rights and responsibilities in internships, apprenticeships, volunteering, and practicums in British Columbia. Learn when you should be paid, what counts as work, and how to protect yourself legally.
Can I get searched at school?
BIG IDEA
As a student, you have the right to privacy at school, but it's not the same as your privacy rights outside of school. School officials have more leeway to conduct searches to keep the school safe and orderly
As a student, you have the right to privacy at school, but it's not the same as your privacy rights outside of school. School officials have more leeway to conduct searches to keep the school safe and orderly
In British Columbia, school officials can search students if they have reasonable grounds to believe a school rule has been violated. Police need stronger evidence and cannot conduct random searches.
Working 101
BIG IDEA
You have the rights as an employee. There are extra protections for young and new workers.
You have the rights as an employee. There are extra protections for young and new workers.
Starting your first job in British Columbia? Learn your rights—like minimum wage, safe work conditions, and age restrictions—so you can work confidently and legally.