Rights and responsibilities are important—we all have them. The law sets out parents’ rights and responsibilities in relation to bringing up their children. Show
When children or teenagers talk about their ‘rights’, it may be about exercising their will or getting their own way. This is not what is meant by rights. Children’s rights include the right to be safe, to be educated, to have medical care and to be protected against cruelty and abuse. When your children challenge you, it is important to know why they are doing so, what your responsibilities are as a parent, and how you can deal with the situation. What the law saysThere is not one single Act of Parliament that sets out all the rights and duties that parents have. Some of the Acts dealing with parents’ responsibilities are the:
It is easy to see how parents may be confused as they try to make sense of the different laws that state when children can and cannot do things. The law is clear that as a parent you have the responsibility to care for and protect your child. In the ACT:
What are my rights and responsibilities as a parent?The law allows parents to bring up their children according to their own values and beliefs. This means that you have the right to make decisions about how you bring up your children without interference unless there are very good reasons and your child’s safety and wellbeing is at risk. Decisions such as religion, schooling, discipline, medical treatment and where your child lives are your right and responsibility to make. These decisions will not be interfered with unless your child is badly treated, is not receiving education, is not allowed medical treatment when it is needed or there is an order by a court. As a parent you have a duty to:
It is important that children understand you have responsibilities as their parent. Setting boundaries for their safety is part of caring for them as well as your responsibility. When children challengeChildren and young people can hear a lot about their ‘rights’ through the media, from their friends, or class discussions about human rights or the law. Sometimes children can try out these words at home, particularly when they are upset or not getting what they want. ‘Rights’ talk may not always be helpful when parents are trying to cope with their teenager growing up and testing the limits. Real tensions can arise when children challenge and say things like ‘I have the right to ... and you can’t make me’. Often when this happens in the family home there is confusion and upsets occur. These are a few things to think about:
For example, under ACT law:
Don’t confuse your children ‘wanting their own way’ or ‘testing the limits’ with their ‘rights’. Young people need to express their will as a normal part of growing up. What parents can feelYoung people can sometimes be very persistent and demanding about their rights and parents can feel worn down when they hear comments like ‘It’s my right ... and you can’t stop me’. Parents may be upset and commonly feel:
These feelings may be even stronger if they are struggling with other issues or stresses at the same time. What parents can doConflict between parents and children can be over things such as children wanting more freedom, wanting to go out at night or stay out late. It can be about their friends, sexual relationships, their use of alcohol or drugs or clashes as children develop their own points of view. There are lots of ways to handle conflict. Here are some things that might help:
Parents can feel that if they ‘give in’ they have lost some control. Weigh up all the information and be prepared to ‘let go’ on matters that are not so important and remain firm on those that really count. Try and reach a shared agreement. Parents need to relax control as children mature. Help them learn how to negotiate, take responsibility for their decisions and prepare for adulthood. If there is violenceSometimes angry feelings can become violent actions. This is not OK either from parents or the young person and not a helpful way to deal with the issues. Violence can be physical acts or verbal threats or name calling. Call the Police if there is immediate danger. Getting helpWhen things are calmer, seek assistance to sort out issues and reduce the tension. Managing conflict is a skill everyone needs to learn and practice, but sometimes it helps to have an independent person do this with you. It can prevent the situation getting worse. Services in this Guide are a good place to start. Your school counsellor may be able to help too. They can provide advice and referrals for you and your child. Take the time to build a healthy relationship with your child; it will make conflict easier to deal with. Looking for more informationParentLink - for other parenting guides, online parenting information: Child and Family Centres - for parenting information and support Raising Children’s Network - covering topics for parenting newborns to teens This guide’s content was produced by Parenting SA. © Department of Education and Child Development, Government of South Australia. Reproduced with permission and adapted by the ACT Government to reflect Australian Capital Territory laws (11/17). What age can a child legally leave home in Australia?Once you turn 16, you won't normally be forced to return home by the authorities as long as you've got a safe place to go and you can financially support yourself. If you're under 18 and leave home, the police and Child Safety may investigate the reasons why you left home.
What can you do when you turn 17 in Australia?You can hold a driver's licence and apply for a motorcycle licence.. You can be interviewed by the police without an appropriate adult being present.. A care order can no longer be made on you.. You can register to vote. ( But you can't vote until you're 18). Can a 17 year old leave home NSW?There is no law that says what age you can leave home.
You can leave home at any age providing you have a safe place to go to. If you leave home and are considered to be in physical or moral danger then the Police or Department of Child Protection & Family Services may become involved.
What age can a child refuse to see a parent in Australia?There is no set age at which a child can choose who they live with, or choose when (or whether) they see the other parent. A child is legally a minor until he/she turns 18.
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