Key Takeaway
Knowing your rights gives you power and makes your voice louder!
Let’s have a little think about the difference between a ‘right’ and a ‘want’.
RIGHT: Something you need to survive and reach your full potential.
WANT: Something you desire or wish for, but not necessary to living a full life
Quiz time: Right or Want? Click below to guess which of the following situations is a right of a child and not a want.
I should be allowed to give my opinions freely on issues that affect me. Adults should listen and take my views seriously.
RIGHT - It's important for adults to value and consider your opinions. While they might not always be able to agree with everything you want, it's crucial for them to show that they're making an effort and taking your thoughts seriously.
I should be allowed to spend time with my friends whenever I want to
WANT - You have the right to rest, play and to make your own friends but the amount of time you spend with your friends needs to be balanced against other aspects of your well being like your health and education.
I should be protected from abuse and neglect
RIGHT - Every child has the right to be shielded from any form of abuse or neglect. It's a fundamental right that ensures your safety and wellbeing. If you ever feel unsafe or ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable, it's crucial to speak up, and adults should take immediate action and prevent any further harm.
I should have my own bedroom
WANT - Having your own bedroom is not a right. It is about personal choices or may be dependent on how much space you have. If you have to move into a smaller house, you do not automatically get your own room just because you had one before.
My family has the responsibility of helping me learn and understand my rights
RIGHT- Your family has the responsibility to help you learn and understand your rights. They should support you in gaining knowledge and guide you through the process.
My parents should make my curfew later when I turn 14
WANT - Wanting to make your curfew later when you turn 14 is more like a personal wish, not a right. Extending your curfew will depend on what your parents think is best for you. Remember, having rights and being able to speak up about your views does not mean your parents don’t have the responsibility for making decisions in your best interests.
When adults make decisions they should be in my best interest.
RIGHT - When adults (including your parents, youth workers, and judges) make decisions, their focus should be on what’s in your best interest. They need to prioritize your wellbeing and consider how their choices impact your life.
I should be allowed to stay at home on a school day if I want to
WANT - While you have the right to receive an education, it doesn't mean you have the choice to decide not to attend school. In Canada, there are laws that require you to go to school until you are either 16 or 18 years old (depending on what Province you live in). These laws ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow.
Remember
Having rights does not take away your parents authority to make decisions for you and your family. Your parents have the responsibility to look out for your well-being. Sometimes it means doing things you might not want to do, like making sure you do all your homework.
Indigenous kids also have rights under the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which explains how the rights of Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous young people, are to be protected by governments around the world. You can download an adolescent friendly version of the act here.
Part of realizing Indigenous kid’s rights is making sure they have the things they need to thrive. Jordan's Principle is a rule in Canada that makes sure First Nations kids can get the services they need, like medical help, mental health support, and stuff they need to reach their full potential.
Get Help
If you want to ask for help using Jordan's Principle, just give their Call Centre a ring anytime at 1-855-572-4453. Or to get more info about Jordan's Principle, check out the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. Inuit kids can get help through the Inuit Child First Initiative.
You have the right to free speech. Does that mean you can say anything you want? Nope! You have the right to free speech but other people have the right not to be discriminated against or harassed. You exercising your rights cannot infringe on other people's rights.
People need to respect your rights, and you have the responsibility to respect everyone else’s rights. Everyone has rights, even your parents. Respecting people’s rights is about respecting their individuality, space, culture and values.
