Get a job

Age 14-15: You can get a job (with parent/caregiver permission) but your employer can only ask you to do “light work”. If your employer wants you to do anything other than light work, they will need special permission from the government. 

Learn more 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. 

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.

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!