Freedoms and responsibilities: At what age?
As soon as they turn 18, your child will finally be a legal adult, with all of the freedoms and responsibilities that come along with that status. However, things will not change all at once. In actuality, your child will gradually acquire more and more freedoms and responsibilities as the years go by. Turning 18 is just the culmination of it all!
Since your child spends many hours without your supervision (at school, with friends, etc.), it is crucial for you to explain to them what they are now allowed to do and what their responsibilities are.
Responsibilities
Here is an overview of how your child’s rights and responsibilities change over time:
| Their responsibilities: | |
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Around 7 years old
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Around age 7, your child can be found responsible for any damage they cause. For example, they can be sued and required to compensate their school for intentionally breaking a window or computer equipment. As a parent, you can also be held responsible for your child’s actions. This is the case if a judge considers that you have failed in your duty to look after, educate, or supervise your child. |
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12 years old
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As of the age of 12, your child can face different consequences if they commit a crime. A criminal process can be initiated and your child may be required to comply with conditions, compensate the victim financially, or do volunteer work. For example, it is a crime to push or hit another student, steal things that belong to their teachers, or possess or sell drugs. |
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14 years old
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As of age 14, your child can be fined for breaking a rule. For example, it is an offence to run a red light on a bicycle (even if your child is late for class!), be in a park after hours, or smoke cigarettes near a school entrance. |
Minors who are convicted of a crime are not punished as severely as adults. Instead, they are subject to the Youth Criminal Justice Act. This Act promotes social reintegration and focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. A parent can accompany their child throughout the process. To learn more, you can consult the following Éducaloi article: Teens in trouble with the law: What you need to know.
Freedoms
Your child also has freedoms.
| Their freedoms | |
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14 years old
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As of the age of 14, your child can consent to medical care. For example, they can make an appointment with a psychologist, have an abortion, get vaccinated, or take medication. Parents will only be notified if their child must stay in a health care facility for more than 12 hours. Moreover, any appointments they may have with a psychologist or school nurse will remain confidential. |
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16 years old
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At age 16, your child can get a licence to drive a car. For the first two years, they will only have a probationary licence, meaning they will be subject to the following rules: |
Sexual consent of minors
| Age of youngest partner | Age gap allowed |
| Under 12 years old | No consent possible |
| 12 or 13 years old | Less than 2 years |
| 14 or 15 years old | Less than 5 years |
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The older partner will be committing a crime if they solicit or have sexual contact with a partner outside the permitted age range, even if the younger partner expresses their agreement to the relationship and if the parents agree as well. Before age 18, valid consent cannot be given in the following situations:
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The law can seem complicated sometimes! Fortunately, there are resources to help you learn about your rights and responsibilities, as well as those of your teen. On its website, Éducaloi has sections about parenting and being a teenager.