The age of 16 marks the beginning of adulthood, which is followed by a future shaped by family customs. At the age of sixteen, many adolescents around the world begin to follow in the footsteps of their parents and guardians, who have laid out a path for them based on their cultural values and beliefs.
Same time, this is the age when you start manning up to some adulthood routines because being 16 brings great responsibilities. However, it’s important you know your rights, if you’re still bound by your parents and still be under their control when you turn 16. Let’s check them out!
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Can Your Parents Still Control You At 16?
Depending on the situation, the answer could be both yes and no. Your parents still have a lot of control over your responsibilities, even if you are an adult at 16. Because you are still a minor, they are the ones who will ultimately give you everything you will ever need.
You will have to pay for everything, from your school fees to extracurricular activities. Consequently, you are entitled to remain under their authority as a matter of right and social obligation.
Do My Parents Still Have Control Over Me When I’m 16?
Absolutely yes. Your actions are bound by their decisions. This is until you’ve turned 18 and are assumed a full-fledged adult and can take up the consequences of your decisions. Until then, your parents still have control of you; although not in a negative way.
Is 16 Still A Child?
A Child is defined as “a human being below the age of 18 years unless under the legislation applicable to the child, the majority is attained earlier.” This is taken from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
So, a 16-year-old can be regarded as a child and as such, you are still bound by your parent’s wills.
What Can A 16 Year Old Do
Since you are still required by law to live with your parents, you may be curious about the kinds of things you can do or choose for yourself even if you are still subject to your parents’ authority and supervision. The following is a list of activities that a child who has reached the age of 16 can lawfully engage in;
- If you want to drive a car, you need to have a driver’s licence.
- You can get married! In the majority of states, the age of consent for marriage is sixteen years old with the assent of both sets of parents.
- In most states, you are free to have sexual encounters without fear of legal repercussions.
- You can get a pilot’s licence so you can fly a balloon or a glider.
- Have a job that requires you to put in full-time hours. Although jobs for those under age 16 have limits on hours
- You can drop out of school. Several states let students drop out of high school at the age of 16 as long as they have their parents’ permission.
- Even if the purchase of alcohol is not lawful until the age of 21, residents of some states are permitted to consume alcohol at home with the approval of their parents and under their supervision if they are at least 16 years old.
- In the majority of states, you can register to become an organ donor (this is a growing recent trend).
- You can obtain a passport even without the permission of your parents.
- You can donate blood, provided you have your parents’ permission.
What Rights Do 16 Years Old Have In The US
Children, often known as minors, are not considered to have the same level of legal capacity as adults.
In most states, a person must be 18 years old before they can legally be considered an adult. However, the legal age of the majority can vary from state to state. Here are your rights at 16 years;
- If you have dropped out of school, and you have a National Insurance number, and the job you want offers accredited training, then you are eligible to work full time.
- You can have sexual activity
- With your parents’ authorization, you are free to start a family or move in with your significant other.
- If you have sexual contact with someone younger than 16, you could face legal consequences.
- With your parent’s permission, you can submit your application for a passport.
- You can change your name to another of your choice
- You can obtain a debit card in addition to opening a current account.
- If you neglect a child who is in your care, you could face legal consequences.
Can You Leave Home At 16?
In the United States, a 16-year old cannot leave home without his/her parent’s consent. This is until you’ve clocked 18 and are legally considered an adult
Can You Move Out Of Your Parent’s House At 16
In the US, you cannot. You will be labelled as a runaway
You will need to apply for judicial early emancipation in order to be legally allowed to move out on your own. In general, states will contemplate allowing early emancipation at the age of 16 or 17.
There are some states that are more difficult than others. Some are extremely challenging or even impossible to do without the authorization of a parent.
Emancipation is the legal recognition by a court that a person has reached the age of majority and is able to care for themselves independently.
What Happens If You Run Away From Home At 16?
The law demands your parents report the case to the police immediately and you could be arrested and detained if caught.
Conclusion
16 marks a great age in one’s life when you begin to experience some other aspects of life and be exposed to many difficult responsibilities and choices.
At 16, you start experiencing some pressures and you might seek to be independent. I’m hopeful this article is a helpful guide to all you need to know