Gavin Howe
Teenagers often face limitations imposed by societal stereotypes and an extensive system of laws and customs that restrict their freedoms. Despite this, many young people have accomplished feats that surpass those of the average adult, and studies have shown that young people are far more capable than society assumes. In recognition of this, there are laws in place to protect the rights of young people, such as the Human Rights Act 1998 in the UK, which incorporates the rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights, and the Equality Act 2010, which protects against discrimination. In the US, the process of changing laws involves both bodies of Congress researching, discussing, and voting on a bill, before it is presented to the president for approval. While the path to changing laws may be challenging, it is not impossible for teenagers to effect legal change, especially when they are equipped with knowledge of their rights and the political process.
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What You'll Learn
Voting rights and standing for election
Voting is a fundamental right of political participation in democratic societies. In most countries, citizens acquire the right to vote when they turn 18, which is considered the age of adulthood. However, there are exceptions, such as Austria and Malta, where the minimum voting age is 16.
In order to vote, one must first register. In some countries, there are barriers to registration, such as restrictive voting laws, which may contribute to lower youth voter turnout. For example, in the 2016 US election, 23% of unregistered youth voters (aged 18-19) missed the registration deadline, and 6% didn't know where or how to register.
To increase youth electoral engagement, interventions should address informational barriers, such as providing clear instructions on when, where, and how to register. Additionally, efficacy-related barriers, such as feelings of insignificance, should be tackled to empower young people to understand their value and role in democratic life.
While the right to vote is typically acquired at 18, the minimum age to stand as a candidate in elections varies more widely. In about two-thirds of countries, one can stand for election from the age of 18, while in the remaining countries, the minimum age ranges from 21 to 26.
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Age-related segregation
Age segregation is the separation of people based on their age, and it can be observed in many aspects of society. Age segregation can occur in both formal and informal settings, and it can have both positive and negative impacts on individuals and groups.
One example of age segregation is in schools, where students are separated into different grades or forms based on their age. This type of age grading or graded education is common in many countries, including the United States, where it was introduced during the period of industrialization and the rise of Western formal schooling. Age segregation in schools can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, it allows for a more focused and tailored education for students of similar ages. On the other hand, it can also contribute to a sense of isolation and exclusion, especially for teenagers who may feel separated from the larger community.
Age segregation is also present in housing. In some countries, such as South Korea, there are "no kid zones" where children are prohibited from entering certain premises, including public venues and private businesses. These zones are not limited to bars or adult-only establishments but also include places like coffeehouses, restaurants, and movie theatres. Age segregation in housing can be controversial, as it may limit the opportunities for interaction between different age groups and potentially contribute to age-based discrimination or stereotypes.
The workforce is another area where age segregation occurs. Older adults may face challenges in finding jobs or changing their employment paths due to age expectations and discrimination. They may be expected to have a significant amount of experience or be close enough to retirement age to be considered for certain positions. On the other hand, teenagers and young adults may also experience age segregation in the workforce, as they are often expected to take on entry-level positions or face age-based discrimination in hiring practices.
Age segregation can also be seen in religious institutions, such as churches. In some cases, teenagers may feel isolated or excluded from the larger congregation due to age-segregated activities or ministries. This can lead to a sense of disconnect and a high turnover, as teens may not feel valued or respected within the religious community.
While age segregation can have some benefits, such as allowing for specialized services or focused attention on specific age groups, it is important to be mindful of its potential drawbacks. Age segregation can contribute to discrimination, isolation, and a lack of intergenerational interaction and understanding. To mitigate these negative impacts, it is essential to promote inclusion, respect, and opportunities for individuals of all ages to interact and participate in various aspects of society.
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Child labour laws
In 1839, Prussia became the first country to pass laws restricting child labour in factories and setting the number of hours a child could work. This led to the passing of similar laws across Europe, with Britain enacting its Factory Act in 1839 and France adopting its first child labour laws in 1841. By 1890, almost all of Europe had child labour laws in place.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) was created after World War I to bring safer working conditions for adults, institute minimum age labour limits, enhance working conditions for children, and eliminate child labour worldwide. The ILO currently has 23 conventions or laws within its constitution that regulate the labour of both adults and children, including minimum age restrictions, protection against forced labour, and safety standards.
In recent years, there has been a push to expand child labour laws into the Global South. In 2014, several Asian and Pacific Island countries passed laws limiting the age of child labourers, increasing school attendance, and imposing harsher punishments for those caught sexually exploiting children. Additionally, many Sub-Saharan African countries have produced plans to increase child education, set age limits on child labour, and enact laws to eliminate child trafficking and sexual exploitation.
As a teenager, you can get involved in advocating for stronger child labour laws by educating yourself on the issue, spreading awareness, and supporting organisations working to eliminate child labour. You can also get involved in local and national politics, as everyone has legal rights that must be respected. While the voting age is typically 18, you can still register to vote and get involved in campaigns or organisations that align with your values. By taking action and using your voice, you can help bring about positive change and protect the rights of children worldwide.
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Data protection rights
In the United States, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) imposes several requirements on companies that provide services to children under the age of 13. These requirements relate to notice, consent, access, retention, and security. The American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) builds on COPPA and includes provisions to minimize data collection on children and prevent targeted advertising to those under 17. The California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), which came into effect in 2023, also enhances data protection for minors by requiring businesses to obtain affirmative consent from parents or guardians of children under 13 before collecting or sharing their personal information. Similar provisions are included in the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
In the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) includes special protections for children, such as requiring parental consent before processing children's data and providing child-friendly notices. The UK has also implemented the Age Appropriate Design Code, which provides guidance on privacy settings for different age ranges. For example, TikTok's enhanced default privacy settings for 13- to 15-year-olds limit who can comment on, duet, stitch, or download videos of users in this age range.
Brazil and Virginia have also implemented data protection laws, with Virginia's VCDPA law giving consumers the right to request that businesses delete their personal information.
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Parental control
Education and Welfare
In most places, parents have the legal obligation to care for and control their minor children (under 18). This includes making major decisions regarding their education and welfare. For example, in Connecticut, parents can decide on matters such as consenting to marriage and enlisting in the armed forces. Parents also typically have the right to make decisions regarding their child's education, such as consenting to their child dropping out of school. However, this usually requires the parent's consent and a formal withdrawal process.
Healthcare and Treatment
Parents generally have the authority to make decisions regarding their teenager's health, including major medical, psychiatric, or surgical treatments. For instance, parents can choose to enrol their child in outpatient counselling or intensive in-patient treatment. They can also decide to put their teenager on psychotropic medications if recommended by a doctor or psychiatrist. However, there are exceptions. In some cases, teenagers can obtain certain treatments without parental consent, such as drug and alcohol abuse treatment, which remains confidential.
Rules and Discipline
Within their homes, parents typically have the legal right to set rules and discipline their teenagers. This includes implementing curfews and punishing their children for breaking rules. However, the type of punishment that is legally allowed can vary by jurisdiction. For example, some places permit corporal punishment as long as it does not injure or leave marks on the child.
Technology and Device Usage
Parents can also control their teenager's access to technology and devices. Many device manufacturers, such as Apple and Google, offer built-in parental control features. These allow parents to restrict content, manage apps, and set time limits on their child's device usage. Parents can also control their teenager's access to payment methods and online transactions.
Runaway and Out-of-Control Behaviour
In cases where teenagers exhibit out-of-control behaviour, such as running away or disregarding parental authority, there are legal options available to parents. They can report their teenager to local law enforcement, who may take the teen home or refer them to a court or youth service agency. Parents can also petition the court for assistance, which may result in the teen being designated as a "'youth in crisis' and ordered to follow certain restrictions.
It is important to note that parental control laws aim to balance the rights and responsibilities of both parents and teenagers. While parents have legal authority over their teenagers, there are also mechanisms in place to protect teenagers' rights and ensure their well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
The legal age for teenagers to get a job varies depending on the country. In the US, there is no specified legal age, but there are laws governing the types of work, pay, and working hours for teenagers. In Australia, teenagers can get a job after reaching the legal age, but specific laws may vary across states.
Yes, teenagers can legally change their name. However, the process may vary depending on the country and local laws. It is recommended to consult with a legal professional or seek specific guidance for your region.
The laws regarding tattoos and body piercings vary by region. In most Australian states and territories, teenagers under 18 years old can get body piercings with parental permission. For tattoos, the laws differ across states, with some requiring parental consent and others setting the minimum age at 18 years.
Yes, teenagers have rights regarding their personal data under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and similar laws in other countries. These laws give individuals control over their data and ensure transparent processing. In some jurisdictions, teenagers above a certain age can exercise these rights independently.
Teenagers can actively participate in changing or creating laws by engaging in the political process. This includes registering to vote when eligible, advocating for issues they care about, joining or supporting relevant organisations, and contacting local representatives to express their opinions on specific topics or proposed legislation. Additionally, in some countries, teenagers can run for certain elected positions, such as local council members, to have a more direct impact on law-making.
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