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This information applies to Scotland
About this information
This information covers the general rights of children and young people. You can also find information about particular rights elsewhere in Adviceguide.
For information about education and employment, see Young people and employment.
For information about family, see Young people and family.
For information about health, see Young people - health and personal.
For information about housing, see Young people and housing.
For information about the law and young people, see Young people and the law.
For information about money and consumer rights, see Young people - money and consumer rights.
For information about benefits and young people, see Young people and benefits.
For information about travel and transport and young people, see Young people - travel and transport.
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Proof of age
There are many schemes that provide cards to help prove your age. Many local authorities and local colleges run card schemes.
There is a national proof of age accreditation scheme called the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS). Make sure that any proof of age card you get shows the PASS hologram. This means it meets the PASS criteria. For more information, go to the PASS website at  www.pass-scheme.org.uk.
Combined local authority/Young Scot card
Dialogue Youth is a Scottish Government funded project. One of the key products of this project is the development of a multi-purpose proof of age card for use by young people aged 12 to 18.
Although the cards are being developed differently in each local authority area and are called different names, they all include a photograph and a PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme) hologram. This enables you to use the card as proof of age to purchase age-restricted goods and services.
In addition to the proof of age element, the cards will also enable you to access many local authority services, for example, leisure facilities, library and school meal/cashless catering services. You can also use the card to access Young Scot local, national and international services and discounts.
You can check whether the combined local authority/Young Scot card is available in your area by checking the local pages of the Young Scot Website – www.youngscot.org.
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Discrimination
Race discrimination
It is illegal to discriminate against anyone, including a child or young person, on the grounds of race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins. If you have suffered race discrimination, you may be able to take action against the organisation or individual responsible.
If you have suffered racial harassment, which includes verbal abuse or threats, graffiti or physical attacks, you may be able to take action.
For information, see Taking action about race discrimination.
Sex discrimination
It is illegal to discriminate against anyone, including a child or young person, on the grounds of sex. If you have suffered sex discrimination, you may be able to take action against the organisation or individual responsible.
For information, see Taking action about sex discrimination.
Disability discrimination
It is illegal to discriminate against anyone, including a child or young person, because you are disabled. If you have suffered disability discrimination, you may be able to take action against the organisation or individual responsible.
For information, see Disability Discrimination.
Discrimination because of sexuality
It is illegal to discriminate against anyone, including a child or young person, on the grounds of their sexuality. You may be able to take action against the organisation or individual responsible.
For information, see Discrimination because of sexuality.
Discrimination because of religion or belief
It is illegal to discriminate against anyone, including a child or young person, on the grounds of religion or belief. You may be able to take action against the organisation or individual responsible.
For information, see Discrimination because of religion or belief
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Human rights
All citizens in Scotland have rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. For example, a child or young person has a right to freedom of thought, conscience or religion. If you think that your human rights are being infringed, you could take action in the Scottish courts.
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Nationality and immigration
The law relating to nationality and immigration is complex. You should consult an experienced adviser for example, at a Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on nearest CAB.
For the addresses and information about organisations offering further help on immigration, see Help with immigration problems.
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Punishment
If you are a child or young person and feel that you have experienced an inappropriate punishment from a parent or other person, you could report them to the police or other services.
If you are concerned about the use of punishment, you should contact an experienced adviser, for example, at a Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on nearest CAB.
Parents
As a parent you have a right to decide when and how to punish your children. However, if you hit a young person under 16 and the physical punishment includes a blow to the head, shaking or the use of an implement, you may be liable for a charge of assault.
School
No school is allowed to inflict corporal punishment on a pupil of any age.
A teacher can only use reasonable physical force if they do so in self-defence or if it's necessary to break up a fight between pupils or to stop a pupil endangering themself or other pupils or property.
If you are concerned about the use of punishment, you should contact an experienced adviser, for example, at a Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on nearest CAB.
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Religion
A parent with parental responsibilities and rights has the right to choose which religion, if any, a child or young person should follow at home or at school. A child or young person can choose a religion themself when they have sufficient understanding of the issues. A young person of 16 would normally be thought capable of understanding religious issues and choosing a religion themself. When someone under 16 chooses a religion that their parents or carers think is doing the child harm, for example, a cult, the parents can try to stop the child taking part by taking court action.
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Voting and being a candidate in an election
You cannot vote in European, parliamentary and local elections until you are 18. The minimum age for being a candidate in European and parliamentary elections is 21. You can be a candidate in a local election when you are 18 or over. In some areas you can vote in a community council election from the age of 16 and can also be a candidate.
Scottish Youth Parliament
If you are aged 14 to 25 you may be able to become a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYP). Further information about the Scottish Youth Parliament’s work and election process can be obtained from:-
Scottish Youth Parliament
Rosebery House
Haymarket Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 5EZ
Tel: 0131 313 2488
Fax: 0131 313 6800
Email: info@scottishyouthparliament.org.uk
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Further help
Childline Scotland
18 Albion Street
Glasgow
G1 1LH
Tel: 0141 552 1123
Fax: 0141 552 3089
Helpline: 0800 1111
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Childline Scotland offers a 24-hour helpline for children and young people who are in trouble or danger and need advice, support and practical help.
Commissioner for Children and Young People
MWB Business Exchange
9-10 St Andrew Square
Edinburgh
EH2 2AF
Tel: 0131 718 6048
Fax: 0131 718 6100
Email: cypcommissioner@btinternet.com
The Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland is an independent person appointed by the Scottish Parliament to safeguard and promote the rights of young people in Scotland.
Scottish Child Law Centre
54 East Crosscauseway
Edinburgh
EH8 9HD
Tel: 0131 667 6333
Fax: 0131 662 1713
Freephone: 0800 328 8970 (for under 18's)
Website: www.sclc.org.uk
The Scottish Child Law Centre offers free advice on a wide range of issues by letter and by phone.
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