You have the right to your own opinions

Like every other child and young person, your rights to think for yourself, express your opinions and be heard are guaranteed by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This means that you must be listened to and your views must be taken into account in matters concerning you. It is important that you feel that you are being heard and treated with respect, even when your views differ from those of other people.

Your right to express your views can only be realised if you are given time, space and appropriate means to form and express your opinions. Freedom of opinion and expression also includes the right to obtain, receive and impart information through media.

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. Teachers must also listen to pupils’ views on everyday school affairs and activities and take them seriously. It is important that young people are involved in planning and developing school and class activities.

The right to express your views 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 your wishes will always be fulfilled. The same right applies to everyone else. Respecting other people’s views and listening to their experiences creates an environment for open discussions.

It will not always be possible to arrange things exactly as you would like, but adults must always listen to your thoughts and explain why matters are handled in a certain way. Children and young people have the right to participate in decision-making concerning them in accordance with their age and level of development.