Do Young People Really Know Their Rights?

 

Do Young People Really Know Their Rights?

By Mobina Shaikh

“Rights are not just given; they must be known, understood, and exercised.”

In a world where laws exist to protect individuals, a crucial question remains: how many young people are actually aware of the rights they hold?

From the right to education and freedom of expression to protection from exploitation and discrimination, legal systems around the world recognize and safeguard the rights of young people. Yet awareness of these rights often remains limited. Many young individuals grow up within systems governed by laws they do not fully understand, leaving them unable to recognize when their rights are being protected—or when they are being violated.

One of the clearest examples of this gap can be seen in education. In India, the Right to Education Act of 2009 guarantees free and compulsory education for children between the ages of six and fourteen. While the law has significantly increased school enrollment, many students and families remain unaware of what this right truly includes, such as equal access to education, quality standards, and protection from discrimination.

A similar gap exists in healthcare and personal rights. Research has shown that many adolescents lack adequate knowledge about issues such as consent, confidentiality, and access to healthcare services. Without a clear understanding of these rights, young people may be more vulnerable to misinformation, inadequate treatment, or barriers to receiving appropriate care.

The rise of digital technology has introduced an entirely new set of rights and responsibilities. Young people today spend a significant portion of their lives online, yet many remain unaware of their rights regarding privacy, data protection, and online safety. This lack of awareness can increase vulnerability to cyberbullying, misuse of personal information, online scams, and digital exploitation.

According to UNICEF, one in three internet users worldwide is a child, highlighting the growing importance of digital rights education in an increasingly connected world.

The consequences of limited legal awareness extend beyond individual experiences. When young people do not understand their rights, they are less likely to question unfair treatment, report violations, or advocate for change. As a result, they may struggle to participate fully in civic life, weakening the effectiveness of the very laws designed to protect them.

Education plays a critical role in addressing this challenge. Schools are not only places of academic learning; they are often where young people first encounter concepts such as rights, responsibilities, citizenship, and justice. However, when education focuses primarily on memorization rather than understanding and critical thinking, civic awareness can remain underdeveloped.

At the same time, access to legal knowledge is not equal. Young people from marginalized communities often face additional barriers to understanding and exercising their rights due to limited access to resources, information, and support systems. This creates a troubling cycle in which those who may need legal protections the most are often the least aware of them.

Ultimately, the existence of rights alone is not enough.

A right that is unknown is a right that cannot be exercised.

The question, therefore, is not simply whether young people have rights.

It is whether they truly understand them and feel empowered to use them.

Because awareness is the first step toward justice.

And without it, even the strongest laws can remain powerless.

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