Equality and Human Rights Commission

• Q: I like being at school, but dread when it’s time to go home. My dad picks on me after a few drinks and calls me names or even worse. Is there anything I can do to make my life better?
• Q: Do all young people have a right to be safe?
• Q: Where can I go for help?

Q: I like being at school, but dread when it’s time to go home. I live with my mum and dad and when he has had a few drinks he starts to pick on me. He calls me horrible names and sometimes it’s worse than that, and I have to go to school the next day with bruises on my arms and legs. I pretend that I’m just clumsy. Is there anything I can do to make my life better?

A: Talking about what's happening to you to someone responsible is the first step to making the abuse stop. Talk to an adult you trust such as a friend’s parent or a teacher and tell them what is happening.

The Police and Social Services are there to protect you from being abused in any way and you can talk to them about it.
If you are being physically abused or want to talk to someone about something that is worrying you, you can call Childline.
ChildLine is a free 24-hour helpline for children and young people in distress or danger. You can call 0800 1111 about any problem or visit their website at www.childline.org.uk.

Q: Do all young people have a right to be safe?

A:  Every young person should expect to be treated fairly and live in a safe and non-threatening environment.

Your parents or carers should make sure you grow up with all the love and support you need to get on in life.

Your school should do all they can to ensure that you have a good education and school life.

If you have a job, even a Saturday job your employer should provide you with safe and hazard free working conditions and acceptable working hours.

However, some young people feel they have no control at home, school or work.

To help young people under the age of 18 achieve the rights they deserve the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child came into force in 1990.

The Convention is not a law but sets out standards which ensure:

• all rights apply to all young people without exception
• the best interests of all young people must be of primary concern
• the views of young people must be taken into account

The rights relate to all aspects of a young person’s life including living, education, health, environment, protection, separation and work.

Since 1992 any UK laws, policies and practices which may affect young people have been set against the standards covered by the Convention.

This means you do have rights: a right to play, rest and leisure and a right to be free from all forms of violence. You also have the right to express your views and have them taken into account on all matters that affect you.

Q: Where can I go for help?

The Children's Rights Alliance for England (CRAE) aims to improve the lives and status of all young people through the fullest implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. You can find out more about CARE and the UN Convention at www.crae.org.uk.

National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) provides independent representation and advice, ensuring that the voice of children and young people can be heard in all matters affecting them. To find out more visit www.nyas.net.

You can speak to a Personal Adviser at your local Connexions Centre. To find your local centre click on the Local Services icon in the footer of the homepage or check out your local phone book.

You can contact a Connexions Direct Adviser by phone on 080 800 13 2 19, by text on 07766 4 13 2 19, by textphone 08000 968 336, by adviser online or by email.

See also questions about bullying, harrassment and hate-crime.

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