Youth on the Law - Shoplifting, Street Checks, Sexting, & Schooling

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Summary

Mary Birdsell, a lawyer and the executive director of Justice for Children and Youth, answers common legal questions from youth, covering topics like shoplifting, interactions with police, sexting, and schooling.

Highlights

Civil Recovery Demand Letter (Shoplifting)
00:00:39

Mary Birdsell discusses civil recovery demand letters that stores send to parents or guardians after a young person is caught shoplifting. She advises that there's no legal requirement to pay the demanded sum and suggests contacting Justice for Children and Youth for assistance.

Youth Policing: Street Checks
00:01:47

The discussion shifts to youth policing and street checks. The police are allowed to talk to people, but individuals are not obligated to speak to them. You can politely ask if there is a problem or if you are free to go. Police can stop anyone, but the rights of the individual change depending on the circumstances. While you do not have to identify yourself if walking down the street, in some circumstances, such as on trespass of premise occurrences, you may need to provide your identification.

Sexting
00:04:32

The discussion shifts to Sexting, which refers to images transmitted through social media. Until March 2015, young people sending sexualized images could be charged with child pornography; however, a new law now makes it illegal to distribute intimate images without the depicted person's consent.

Barriers to Legal Representation
00:06:20

Mary Birdsell talks about some of the barriers for youths when it comes to legal representation. These include a lack of awareness of available resources. She recommends resources such as ohjen.org, jfcy.org, cleo.on.ca, and Legal Aid Ontario.

Schooling & Attendance
00:07:37

The final topic covered is schooling and attendance, with a youth having a legal obligation to attend school until they complete high school or turn 18. You also have a right to attend school for seven years of secondary school and cannot be kicked out once you turn 18 until you are about 21. You can drop out of school at 18. If you are 16 or 17 and live independently, you can attend school without parental consent, but you still have a legal obligation to attend.

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