Rights and Responsibilities
This month we will explore your Rights & Responsibilities….
In Ireland, you have rights – these rights include freedom of expression, the rights to privacy, and protection from discrimination. For example, you have the right to speak your mind, but also a responsibility not to spread hate or false information.
Understanding your rights and responsibilities is key to protecting yourself and making informed decisions.
March Dates
| 03 | World Wildlife Day / Full Moon (The Worm Moon) |
| 08 | International Women’s Day / World Tree Week |
| 15 | Mother’s Day |
| 17 | St. Patrick’s Day / Public Holiday Much more than just a day… Check out what’s on for St. Patrick's Festival. |
| 20 | Eid Mubarak Also the Spring Equinox and Daffodil Day |
| 26 | World Maths Day |
Quiz!
Ever wondered at what age you can start working, get a tattoo, or vote, in Ireland? The rules can be a bit of a maze, but don’t worry — we’ve put together a quick quiz to test how much you know about your rights as you grow up. See if you can guess the right ages before we reveal the answer!
When it comes to the law, age matters. There are additional protections for u18s for work, contracts, medical care or being held responsible for a crime? But you also have responsibilities, like your actions and behaviours, respecting others’ rights, and following rules in your community. Knowing the law helps you stand up for yourself and others, and helps you to be more responsible and empowered. If you ever feel your rights are being violated, talk to a trusted adult, teacher, or youth worker.
If you’re under 18, your parents or guardians still have legal responsibilities for you, but you also have rights at school, work, online, and in interactions with the Gardaí. Your rights include freedom of expression, the right to privacy, and protection from discrimination. For example, you have the right to speak your mind, but also a responsibility not to spread hate or false information.
- childrensrights.ie
- iccl.ie (Irish Council for Civil liberties)
- garda.ie
Celebrate the Irish Language. Bring a cúpla focal (few words) of Irish into your day. Check out the many fun events happening for Seachtain na Gaeilge, March 1st – 17th. www.snag.ie
Check out careersportal.ie for career opportunities with Irish.
Comhairle na nÓg
is designed to enable young people (12-17yrs) to have a voice on the services, policies and issues that affect them in their local area. There are Comhairle na nÓg in all 31 local authorities of the country. You can get involved in your own local Comhairle na nÓg.
A quick example of what they do, in Dun Laoghaire they have been busy setting up Teen Spaces….purpose built spaces for teens to just hang out and spend time. Here is an example of one.
Active Citizenship in the EU
Active Citizenship is about engagement and participation in our communities (local, national, European) and society. There are many practical ways to become an Active Citizen of Europe!
The EU Youth Dialogue is a way of making the voices of young people heard in European policy-making processes.
Youth Wiki – Europe encyclopedia of National Youth Policies.
Have any questions?
The online chat service is staffed by Youth Information Officers from centres across Ireland. It is available from 4pm and 8pm, Monday to Friday!