Childrens Rights

There are different responsibilities that children and young people can have depending on their age.

At 5 you can:

• see U or PG (accompanied by an adult) category films at the cinema and on video

At 7 you can:

• open and use a National Savings Account or Trustee Savings Bank Account

At 10 you can:

• open most types of building society or bank account with the managers agreement

At 12 you can:

• buy a pet
• see category 12 films at the cinema and on video

At 13 you can:

• get a part time job in accordance with local authority bye-laws. You will have to make enquiries in your area if you want to work at 13 regarding the number of hours you can work and the tasks you can do.

At 14 you can:

• provided local law allows, work for your parents on a week-day as a street trader
• get a licence to take part in public performances abroad
• go into a bar on your own and get soft drinks

At 15 you can:

• see a category 15 film at the cinema or on video

At 16 you can:

• leave school at the end of the summer term. (Until recently, it was possible for students who turned 16 before the start of the summer (exam) term to leave early, if they were not taking any exams, but since1998, this has not been possible. The government has made this change because it wants as many students as possible to sit exams)
• work full time, except in some places like bars and betting shops
• claim certain benefits and get a National Insurance number. You may have to pay for things like prescriptions and eye tests, depending on your income
• generally leave home without the agreement of your parents
• if you are a girl, choose to have sexual intercourse with a man without him committing a crime
• if you are male, have sexual contact with another man in private
• get married with the written permission of your parents
• buy liqueur chocolates
• join trade unions (some you can join younger)
• choose your own doctor. A doctor can rely on your consent to treatment without going to your parents
• gain access to your school records
• apply for your own passport, although you do need the consent of one parent or guardian, unless you are in the army or you are married
• apply for legal aid on your own
• have a right to a youth training place if you are not in full time education or work
• join the armed forces if your parents (or people acting as them) agree
• get a licence for a moped or invalid mobile
• have beer, cider or perry with a meal in a pub, hotel etc
• have to pay full fare on trains and on buses
• buy premium bonds
• become a street trader (e.g. run a fruit and vegetable market stall)
• sell scrap metal
• pilot a glider

At 17 you can:

• hold a full driving licence to drive a car, small goods vehicle or tractor on public roads
• buy or hire a crossbow
• apply for a helicopter pilot’s licence
• donate blood without your parents' consent

At 18 you can:

• get married without the permission of your parents
• buy fireworks
• buy and drink alcohol in a bar
• buy cigarettes, tobacco and cigarette papers
• get a tattoo (you can at any age if it is done by a doctor for medical reasons)
• sue somebody else, but if you are under 18 you can get your "next friend" (e.g. a parent/guardian) to take action on your behalf
• make a will
• join the armed forces without parental consent
• leave your body for science or give an organ for transplant
• see an 18 category film at the cinema
• pawn an item at a pawnshop
• get your name and address put on the adoption contact register (in case your natural parent(s) want to contact you)
• vote in general and local elections
• serve on a jury
• own and buy land
• apply for a passport without your parents' consent
• place a bet in a betting shop
• make contracts (e.g. for credit agreements, hire purchase etc.)

At 21 you can:

• apply for a licence to sell alcohol
• hold a licence to drive a large passenger vehicle or heavy goods vehicle
• be a Member of Parliament
• adopt a child
• supervise a learner driver if you have and have held a licence for the same type of vehicle for 3 years or more;
  

Information relating to employment can be obtained from a connexions advisor.

• Connexions (01142 429986)
• Department of Works and Pensions (01226 772941)
• Department of Berneslai Homes (01226 775555)
• Post Office (0845 7223344)

• Department of Wages and Pensions Benefit Advice
• Connexions Employment Advice
• UK Post Office Agency
• Berneslai Homes