Do Children and Teenagers have Constitutional Rights

Do children and teenagers have constitutional rights?

As a matter of fact, it’s tough being a kid. You’re living at home under your parents’ thumb. You have no money, no real autonomy at all. You can’t even see certain movies without an adult with you. So, when it comes to the law, what rights does the average child or teenager have? If you think the answer’s “none,” prepare to think again.

The only thing that distinguishes children from adult is Age, if that is true, it therefore mean children and teenagers are entitled to same basic rights by virtue of the fact that they are human.

Under the law, starting from the constitution, Child Rights Act, Universal Basic Education Act etc children are accrued certain rights. Children are fully formed human beings with the same basic constitutional rights that adults enjoy. Like every other citizen, children have the right to;

– Due process under the law and the right to counsel;
– Every child is entitled to rest and leisure and to engage in play, sports and recreational activities appropriate to his age;
– Every child has a right to a name up birth;
– Compulsory and free universal basic education;
– Every child has a right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly in conformity with the law and in accordance with the necessary guidance and directions of his parents/guardians;
– Every child is entitled to freedom of movement subject to parental control which is not harmful to the child;
– A child must not be subjected to any form of discrimination merely by reason whether by sex, religion, tribe or place of origin etc
– Children are also protected against cruel and unusual punishment and against any form of abuse.
– Surprisingly even the unborn child has a right to protection against harm

However, the law also recognizes certain exceptions considering the fact that children are not physically and emotionally mature enough to handle the responsibility attached to legal activities like drinking, driving, marrying, entering into contract except a contact for necessaries, buying, selling etc for the purpose of begging.