Young people's rights
This advice applies to Wales. See advice for See advice for England, See advice for Northern Ireland, See advice for Scotland
Children and young people have legal rights.
Proof of age
There are many schemes that provide cards to help prove your age. Many local authorities and local colleges run card schemes.
The national Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) does not issue cards itself but sets standards and approves other schemes. If a card has the PASS hologram it means that the card issuer has met strict standards set by PASS and that the card can be relied on. Make sure that any proof of age card you get shows the PASS hologram. For more information and for details of approved schemes, go to the PASS website at: www.pass-scheme.org.uk.
Discrimination
It's against the law to discriminate against anyone, including a child or young person, because of:
age
race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins
sex
disability
sexual orientation
religion or belief
gender reassignment
marriage or civil partnership
pregnancy or maternity leave
Some of the places where you are protected from discrimination include:
schools and colleges
shops
clubs and pubs
hospitals and clinics
council services
You are protected against discrimination whether you are buying something or getting it for free.
In certain circumstances, there are exceptions to these rules which mean that discrimination is allowed.
If you have experienced discrimination, you may be able to take action against the organisation or person responsible.
For more information about discrimination, see our discrimination pages.
Nationality and immigration
The law on nationality and immigration is complicated, and you should seek the help of an experienced adviser, for example, at Citizens Advice. Search for your nearest Citizens Advice.
Personal records
At any age, you have the right to see information kept about you, unless the person looking after the information considers you incapable of understanding the nature of the request you are making. If you are refused access to your records you can complain to the Information Commissioner.
As a parent you do not usually have the right to see information about your child kept on a computer record. This will only be allowed if:
the person looking after the information knows that the child has authorised the request or
the request is being made on behalf of a child or young person who is considered incapable of understanding the nature of the request
For more information on access to personal records, look at the Information Commissioner's Office website.
Smacking and other corporal punishment
Parents
As a parent, you don't have the legal right to smack your child.
School
No teacher in a school is allowed to inflict corporal punishment on a pupil of any age.
The head teacher and teachers can use reasonable non-physical means to punish a pupil for unacceptable conduct or behaviour. Any punishment must be fair, reasonable and within the school’s policy. Examples of reasonable punishment are extra work during school hours or being told off.
A member of staff can use reasonable physical force to break up a fight between pupils or to stop pupils endangering themselves, other pupils or school property or to prevent a pupil from committing a criminal offence.
In care and other institutions
Corporal punishment must not be inflicted on any child or young person living in a children’s home, secure unit, foster home provided by the local authority or voluntary organisation, residential care home or young offender institution. If a child or young person lives in a private foster home, nursing or mental nursing home, or youth treatment centre, mild smacking is allowed as long as it does not leave a mark.
If you are concerned about the use of punishment, you should consult an experienced adviser, for example, at Citizens Advice. Search for your nearest Citizens Advice.
Registered childminders
Registered childminders are not allowed to smack a child in their care.
If you are concerned about the use of punishment, you should seek the help of an experienced adviser, for example, Citizens Advice. Search for your nearest Citizens Advice.
Religion
Someone with parental responsibility for a child has the right to choose which religion, if any, a child or young person should follow at home or at school. However, a child or young person may choose their own religion when they have sufficient understanding. If a parent considers the child's chosen religion to be harmful, they can try to stop the child taking part by taking court action.
There is a general requirement on schools to provide religious education but it is possible for an individual child to be withdrawn from religious education.
Further help
Childline
England
Childline
Helpline: 0800 1111 (24 hour free advice line)
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Children and young people can ring or write, in confidence, if they need advice or are in trouble or danger. Childline can offer both support and practical help.
Wales
Childline Cymru/Wales
9th Floor
Alexandra House
Alexandra Road
Swansea
SA1 5ED
Tel: 0870 336 2935
Helpline: 0800 1111 (24 hour free advice line)
Fax: 0870 336 2936
Website: www.childline.org.uk/CymruWales.asp
Coram Children's Legal Centre (England only)
Coram Children's Legal Centre provides free legal advice and sometimes representation to children and parents on family, child and education law. The centre has lots of useful fact sheets on its website. The centre also has a specialist helpline for migrant children, their families and advisers.
The Office of the Children's Commissioner for England
33 Greycoat Street
London
SW1P 2QF
Tel: 020 7783 8330
Fax: 020 7931 7544
Email: info.request@childrenscommissioner.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk
The Office of the Children's Commissioner for England looks after the interests and acts as the independent voice of children and young people.
Children's Commissioner for Wales
Children's freephone
Tel: 0800 801 1000 (Mon-Fri 9.00am -5.00pm)
E-mail: advice@childcomwales.org.uk
South Wales office
Oystermouth House
Phoenix Way
Llansamlet
Swansea SA7 9FS
Tel: 01792 765600
Fax:01792 765601
E-mail: post@childcomwales.org.uk
Website: www.childcom.org.uk
North Wales Office
Penrhos Manor
Oak Drive
Colwyn Bay
Conwy LL29 7YW
Tel: 01492 523333
Fax: 01492 523336
The Children's Commissioner for Wales can give children and young people living in Wales advice about their rights and welfare. The Commissioner can also help you make a complaint about your treatment if you are using the usual complaints procedure of an institution such as a school, care home or social services department. If your complaint is unsuccessful, the Commissioner may be able to carry out a separate investigation.
The Children's Commissioner also has powers to take action over 'whistleblowing'. 'Whistleblowing', in this case, is where an employee of an organisation for children and young people raises concerns that the organisation is acting against the interests of children in its care.
Children can use the special freephone and freetext numbers to contact the Commissioner, which won't show up on any phone bill. There's also a special email address for children to use. The service is bilingual and if you want to talk to someone in a language other than English or Welsh, they will try to make this possible.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
42 Curtain Road
London
EC2A 3NH
Tel: 020 7825 2500
Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (24 hour free advice line)
E-mail: help@nspcc.org.uk
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk
NSPCC offers advice, information and support.
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