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

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.
 

Make a Will

You must be at least 16 years old to make a will in BC. 

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

Driver's License

Once you turn 16 you are able to apply for a driver’s license. If you are under 19 you will need a parent or guardian’s permission to apply.

See Getting my driver’s license
 

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.

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.