The law, your rights and citizenship

You as a citizen

Laws are rules a country uses to protect its citizens and to ensure everyone is treated the same in particular situations. Breaking the law usually results in a punishment – even if you claim you didn’t know the law existed.

There are laws to cover everything we do. Much of it is common sense – you usually learn as you grow up what is right and what is wrong.

As you get older the law can get to play a greater role in your life – you learn to drive (you must follow the highway code), you get a place of your own and have a television (you must buy a TV Licence), you get a job (your employer must obey the law about the minimum wage).

There are lots of organisations to help you deal with the law. If you need help, but don’t know who to turn to, speak to your Connexions personal adviser.

At what age can I…? – the ages you can legally do certain things.
www.connexions-direct.com - go to Your rights>When can I?

Citizens Advice Bureau – information on all areas of citizens’ rights and the law.
www.adviceguide.org.uk

Disabled People’s Rights – what you need to know.
www.connexions-direct.com - go to Your rights>Me as a citizen>Disabled people’s rights.

Equality and Human Rights Commission – creating a fairer Britain.
www.equalityhumanrights.com/your-rights/young-people-know-your-rights/downloads-and-resources/

The Site – stay safe, crime facts, weapons and the law, in trouble.
www.thesite.org/homelawandmoney/law

You as a customer

There are plenty of laws to protect you as a consumer of goods and services. You’ll have the same rights as an adult.
It’s really annoying to feel you’ve been ripped off. Don’t let it happen again. Wise up to the law and take back control.

Citizens Advice Bureau - go to Consumer affairs>Young people – money and consumer rights.
www.adviceguide.org.uk

Connexions Direct – for consumer rights and the Trade Descriptions Act. Go to Your rights>Me as a consumer.
www.connexions-direct.com

Outside the law

The law is there to protect you as well as everyone else. Breaking the law will have consequences and can impact on your life for a long time.

There is plenty of information available about what you legally can and cannot do. Much of it is common sense. Remember – it won’t be enough to say you didn’t know you were breaking the law if you get caught doing something wrong.

You have the same right as an adult to be treated fairly and with respect by the police. If they stop you in the street they must tell you:
• their name.
• the station where they are based.
• why they have stopped you.

If the police stop you they probably suspect that you have done something illegal or that you might be about to break the law.
If this happens:
• You must give your name and address.
• You don’t have to answer any legal questions until you have had legal advice.
• If you are under 17 you cannot be questioned at a police station without a parent or carer being present. If they can’t attend an ‘appropriate adult’ must be present.
• Stay calm. Listen to what is being said to you.
• Don’t get abusive or angry. This will only increase your chance of getting arrested.

Connexions Direct – answers to some of the most asked questions.
www.connexions-direct.com - go to Your rights>Crime and law.

The Site – stay safe, crime facts, victims of crime.
www.thesite.org/homelawandmoney/law

Respecting differences

Just think how dull the world would be if we were all the same.
But differences between people can cause problems and can often result in bullying behaviour.

If you are being bullied it can be really hard to tell someone about it – this is what the bullies rely on. But you owe it to yourself not to let the bullying continue.

Talk to someone about what is happening. The sooner you do this the better as the longer it goes on the less confidence you will have to cope.

If you think somebody else is being bullied – give them your support. Encourage them to talk to someone about what is happening.

Speak to your Connexions personal adviser who will give you support and advice.

Britkid – race, racism and life.
www.britkid.org

Bullying UK – lots of great advice about types of bullying, how to cope and how to get it stopped.
www.bullying.co.uk

Chatdanger – how to keep safe while chatting online.
www.chatdanger.com

Childline – there to listen, whatever the problem.
www.childline.org.uk
T: 0800 1111

Stop Cyber Bullying – stop it happening and what to do if it does.
www.stopcyberbullying.org