What are the rights and responsibilities of people in the UK?
Watch this video explaining the rights and responsibilities of people in the UK.
Rights and responsibilities
What are human rights?
Every person in the world is entitled to certain rights from the moment they are born until they die. These human rights make sure you are treated with:
- dignity
- fairness
- equality
- respect
Although everyone in the world has these same rights, many people live in places where their rights are restricted.
In the UK, rights are protected by the Human Rights Act 1998.
What rights do children in Scotland have?
Children in Scotland have many legal rights. For example, any child has the right to have a bank account opened in their name, or to obtain access to their health or social work records.
As a young person grows up, their legal rights increase. By the age of 16, a young person in Scotland can get married, change their name, or apply for their own home in their local council area.
What is the age of responsibility?
People in Scotland also have many legal responsibilities. The law states that young people over 12 years of age can be old enough to take responsibility. If a child is under 12-years old, their views should be listened to – depending on the extent to which they understand an issue.
In most cases parents have responsibility for their children until the child is 16 years old. There are, however, occasions where the courts will take action and make decisions to ensure the wellbeing of a child – such as when parents fail to take responsibility.