HealthInfo Canterbury
Your rights as a teenager
In New Zealand you are considered an adult when you turn 18. However, while a teenager aged under 18 is legally considered a child, you still have rights. Rights are there to ensure you are kept safe and receive fair treatment. Everyone has rights whatever your gender, sexual identity, religion or culture, whether you are rich or poor, speak a different language, or have a disability.
If you ever see a doctor, counsellor, physio or another health provider, you are a health consumer. And as a health consumer in New Zealand you have rights. This page explains what the Code of Rights is, and what to do if you're concerned about the service you've received. Youth Law also has a page outlining your rights as a health consumer.
You also have human rights that everyone should respect, no matter who they are or what their relationship to you is. Youth Law has information about your rights at home, school, and work, when dealing with the police, relationships and more.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Mana Mokopuna – Children's Commissioner
- Your rights
Children's rights cover things like what children and young people should and should not be allowed to do, how they should be treated, how they should be protected, and whose role is it to protect them.
- All rights under the Children's Convention
A plain English summary of the world's largest children's rights document.
- Your rights
- Community Law – Pregnancy Rights
A booklet explaining your legal options before, during and after pregnancy. It covers sexual health, health care, education for people under 18, housing, work, caring for a child, legal aid and where to go for more support.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2021.
See also:
Review key: HIYRI-53212
