Articles by Lorna Elliott on Your Rights and Responsibilites as a Parent
Underage Sex: How to Protect Your Children
Parents should know the UK's laws on underage sex, what counts as a criminal offence, and how prosecutors actually handle these cases.
5th September 2026
Smacking Your Children
What counts as legal discipline versus illegal abuse when you smack your child, and where teachers can use force in schools.
14th June 2026
Leaving Your Children Home Alone
UK law doesn't set a specific age for leaving children home alone, but parents must use reasonable judgment to avoid harm.
22nd May 2026
Do I Have the Right to Know Where My Children Are?
Parents have the right to know their child's whereabouts during the other parent's care, with some legal limits.
18th May 2026
What 'In Loco Parentis' Means to You
In loco parentis is a legal term that defines your responsibility for other people's children, whether at school, during childminding or on outings.
18th May 2026
Are Parents Responsible for Their Children's Debt?
Whether you're legally responsible for your child's debts and how to prepare them for financial independence.
24th April 2026
Employing a Child
Legal rules on how old children need to be to work, what jobs they can do, and how many hours they're allowed to work.
2nd April 2026
University Tuition Fees and Student Loans
Help your child pay for university with student loans, grants, and bursaries to cover tuition and living costs.
2nd April 2026
Legal Entitlement to Child Benefit and Tax Credits
Child benefit is available to most parents with children under 16, with no income limits, and rates depend on how many children you have.
2nd April 2026
Child Carers: Their Rights Under the Law
Young carers have legal rights to support and education, and help is available through local services no matter where you live.
2nd April 2026
Dismissal Because of Pregnancy?
If you've been fired or mistreated at work because you're pregnant, you have legal rights and options in the UK.
2nd April 2026
Your Rights When Social Services Get Involved
Know what happens when social services gets involved with your family and what rights you have throughout the process.
13th March 2026
Medical Treatment for Young People
Your child can refuse to tell you about their medical treatment, and doctors must keep it confidential unless there's a safeguarding concern.
7th March 2011
School Exclusions and the Law
When your child is excluded from school, understand the difference between fixed-term and permanent exclusions and what your rights are.
12th January 2011
School Admissions and the Law
You can express a preference for a school, but oversubscribed schools can reject your child if they don't meet their admission criteria.
14th October 2010
Child Court Witnesses
Help your child through a court witness experience with reassurance and practical guidance on what to expect.
14th October 2010
Child Abduction and Parental Rights
Taking a child out of the UK without proper consent is illegal under the Child Abduction Act 1984 and requires parental or court permission.
14th October 2010
Who Qualifies for Help with Childcare Costs?
Check if you qualify for childcare cost help based on work hours, provider registration and your circumstances.
19th January 2010
Who Qualifies for Free School Meals?
Check if your child qualifies for free school meals based on your benefits or income threshold.
19th January 2010
Being a Guarantor for Your Child's Mortgage
Acting as a guarantor on your child's mortgage means you're legally responsible for repayments if they can't pay.
18th January 2010
UK Law and Child Marriages
In the UK, children aged 16-17 need parental consent to marry, but the rules about who can give that consent aren't always straightforward.
21st July 2009
Protecting Your Children When They Leave Home
Help your child stay safe when they move out with practical steps for personal security and protecting their belongings.
21st July 2009
Flexible Working and the Law
You can request flexible working if you care for a child or adult, but your employer can still say no even if you legally qualify.
21st July 2009
Can We Stop Our Father's Visitation Rights to See Us?
Your wishes matter most in court decisions about contact with an abusive parent, and you can ask a judge to stop visits if you're unsafe.
2nd July 2009
Could a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With?
When parents disagree about where a child lives, you may need a court order to change a residence arrangement legally.
3rd March 2009
House Parties Advertised on Social Networking Sites
How social media has made teenage house parties riskier, turning backyard gatherings into potential disasters with uninvited crowds.
12th February 2009
The Role of the Youth Offending Team
Youth Offending Teams bring together police, social services and probation staff to help young people before they offend and reduce reoffending.
12th February 2009
Child Bullying and the Law
Schools must have anti-bullying policies by law, but bullying happens everywhere and the law's role in protecting your child might not be what you expect.
12th February 2009
Questionnaire: Could Your Child Get an ASBO?
Check if your child's behaviour could lead to an ASBO with this practical questionnaire covering common anti-social conduct.
12th February 2009
Teen on the Edge of the Law? A Reality Check
When your teenager's behaviour spirals out of control, here's what actually happens in the youth justice system and how parents can help.
11th February 2009