You have the right to your own opinions

Like every other child and young person, you have the right to think for yourself, express your opinions and be heard. This means that adults must listen to your views and take them into account when decisions are made about matters that concern you. This does not mean that your opinion is the only correct one, that you can use your opinions as an excuse to hurt others or that things will always happen exactly as you wish.

The right to opinions applies to children of all ages and backgrounds, in all situations. Remember that others also have the right to their opinions.

What does this mean?

The right to express your opinion means, for example, that your parents should ask for and listen to your views when deciding where you live, what hobbies you have and which school you attend. At school, teachers must listen to their pupils’ views and take them seriously.

It is not always possible to arrange things exactly as you would like, but adults must always listen to your thoughts and explain why matters are being handled in a certain way.