You have the right to privacy

Every child has the right to privacy from birth. The right to privacy means that other people – including your parents or guardians – are not allowed to interfere in your personal matters or damage your reputation without a justified reason. You are allowed to have private matters and personal secrets that you do not have to share with anyone.

Children also have the right to domestic peace and privacy of correspondence. No one is allowed, for example, to post pictures or information about you on social media without your permission.

What does this mean?

You have the right to privacy, and it is worth protecting it. Your belongings and personal matters are yours; no one is allowed to breach your privacy by reading your diary or letters or going through your phone or possessions without your permission. You decide when and with whom you share your thoughts and feelings, which images of yourself you share and who you give your personal details to.

However, sometimes parents or guardians may have a justified reason to intervene in your private matters. If they have reason to believe that you are in danger, they must protect you. They have a duty to safeguard your development and wellbeing.

Ideally, you should agree on rules together. The right to privacy does not mean that you should always keep everything to yourself. Sharing your feelings and thoughts with parents, guardians and friends is a good habit and will often make you feel better.