You have the right to your own opinions

You have the right to receive information, to think for yourself and to say what you think. 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, or that things will always happen exactly as you wish. Sometimes adults must make decisions that they believe are best for you, even if you do not agree.

The right to express opinions applies to children of all ages and backgrounds, in all situations. Others also have the right to their opinions.

What does this mean?

Your right to express your opinion means, for example, that your parents should ask for 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.