What are your rights as a teenager?

You have the right not to be discriminated because of your:

• Race, colour, gender, language you speak
• Religion, opinion
• Nationality or ethnicity
• Socioeconomic status whether you are special or normal

You should be given appropriate guidance by your parents, guardians or teachers of your rights.

You have a right to have your views respected.

You have the right to express your views freely as long as it doesn’t hurt others.

You should have access to legal and judicial measures and processes

You are entitled to civil rights and freedom.

You have the right to be protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation under Child Act 2001.

Remember these!

Know your rights, appreciate your rights. With every right, there comes a responsibility.

What is the Child Act?

The Child Act 2001:

• An act to reinforce the laws relating to the care, protection, rehabilitation of children
• Has come into force in Malaysia since August 2002
• Recognizes a person under the age of 18 years as a ‘child’

Who is protected under this Child Act?

• If you are at risk of being physically or emotionally injured or sexually abused by your parents or guardians or your family members
• If you are at risk of injury or abuse (as above) whose parent or guardian has failed to protect or is unlikely to protect you from such injury or abuse
• If your parent or guardian is unfit, has neglected to or is unable to exercise proper supervision and control over you
• If your parent or guardian has neglected to or is unwilling to provide adequate care, food, clothing, or shelter
• If you have been abandoned or who have no parent or guardian
• If your parent or guardian refuses medical examination, investigation or treatment which you need to restore or preserve your health
• If you behave in a way that may harm yourself or others but your parent or guardian is unable to or unwilling to take remedial action
• If you are being used for begging or any illegal activity for example gambling this is detrimental to your health and welfare

Identifying and defining values

What does “values” mean?

Values come from your family, peer group, society or people you identify with.

Whatever values you hold is meaningful to you and moulds your personality.

Your values should be appropriate to the society.

If your values conflict negatively with your social environment; you have to be prepared for the consequences.

Refer:

• Abstract thinking
• Decision making
• Problem solving