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

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. 

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 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?

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

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. 

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. 

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!