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Privacy

7-12

years

old

What does this mean?

The UNCRC says all children have the right to privacy.

Imagine you need to talk to a doctor or a teacher about a difficult subject or something that is worrying you – they need to make sure that you feel comfortable and trust them. That’s why respecting your right to privacy is so important. They can’t go around telling other people unless there is a very good reason to do so!

But, adults cannot keep absolutely everything you tell them private. If you tell an adult something that makes them worried about your safety, they may need to tell other adults who can help. This might include your parents or another teacher.

If you give private information about yourself to an organisation, like a hospital or even a website, they must make sure that they look after that information safely. Any personal data you give them – such as your address or your phone number – should be properly protected.

If your school or youth club want to share pictures of you online, your parents have to give their consent. This means that they have to sign a form to say that they agree for your pictures to be shared.

Did you know?

Newspapers, TV and radio cannot name children if they are involved in court cases. This is really important to make sure that they are kept safe.

Sarah’s story

I told my SNA that some girls in my class were being really mean to me and calling me names in the playground. I was so embarrassed and didn’t want her to tell my parents because it would stress them out and they’d be upset.

My SNA told me that I did the right thing by telling her but she couldn’t keep it a secret. She said she had to tell my parents and my teacher. When she did I actually felt a lot better. My teacher spoke to my parents and then made sure that the other girls were nice to me.
Mabel’s teacher spoke with TUSLA who helped her family, so Mabel’s life at home is better, and she feels safe every day, and this helps her enjoy her other rights.

Find out what you can do when you’re not getting your rights.