Children and youth rights
Discover how children and young people's rights are protected under Australian law, international conventions, and in schools, families, and communities.
What are children's rights?
Like adults, children and young people have a range of human rights, including economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. They also have special rights which recognise their needs as children.
These include the right to:
- protection from exploitation and abuse
- have a say in decisions that affect them
- be cared for and have a home.
Children depend on adults, including parents and teachers, to uphold these rights.
Know your rights
What are children and youth rights?
Understand children and youth rights in Australia and internationally, including protections and their right to participate in decisions affecting them.
Children, youth rights and the law
Understand how Australian and international laws protect children's rights to safety, education, healthcare, and freedom from abuse and exploitation.
Guides, statistics and facts about children's rights
Explore guides, fact sheets, statistics and resources to understand children and youth rights in Australia and how laws protect young people.
Children's right to participate
Learn why children and young people's right to participate and be heard on issues affecting their lives is essential to their wellbeing and development.
Safeguarding children: A child rights impact assessment tool
Use this 18-question assessment tool to evaluate how new laws and policies affect the wellbeing of Australian children and families, and guide better
Child safe organisations
Access practical implementation tools and resources to help your organisation meet the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations in Australia.
What we're doing
Discover how we're working to promote and protect the rights of children and young people.
Haven't found what you're looking for?
We have educational resources for:
Child safe organisations training
Free eLearning modules support organisations in understanding and implementing the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
Support for children and young people
- Call 000 to get help from the police, an ambulance or fire brigade.
- Call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or use their webchat to speak to someone who will listen to your worries, and give you options for support.
- Tell an adult you can trust.
