Introduction

September 16, 2025

You’ve probably heard someone say “I have rights!” as a a joke before… but did you know that you actually DO have rights?

Or more importantly, how essential it is that you’re aware of them?

We’re here to help teenagers understand and stay up to date with their legal rights. Whether it’s at school, work, or online, you can count on us to help you make secure, well- informed choices!

Welcome to your guide to making smart choices!

School Rights

September 29, 2025

Teens, are often told to “know their rights,” but most of them aren’t sure what they are or how they apply in everyday situations. In school, students have rights like free speech and privacy, but they’re still limited to the school’s own policies. If a student’s actions are disruptive, interfere with learning, or any break rules, schools can search your belongings under the pretense of “reasonable suspicion.”

Schools can typically take phones away if they’re a distraction, but they don’t have unlimited access to your private messages or photos. Administrators would need a strong reason to look through your phone, and the rules can vary depending on local laws and court cases.

Teens who work also have employment rights, especially since many are still in school while working. Some of these rights include limits on hours, guaranteed breaks, and protection from unsafe conditions. These rights are meant to ensure that work stays fair and safe, while still allowing teens to focus on school and other responsibilities.

Today’s effects of the 4th Amendment

The 4th Amendment protects people from “unreasonable searches and seizures,” but this applies a bit differently in school. To enforce searches and such, schools only need “reasonable suspicion” unlike the police who need “probable cause.” With this, they can search a student’s locker, backpack, or belongings. Students have privacy, but it’s limited to the school’s policies and safety rules. Understanding how the 4th Amendment applies at school can help students know when a search is fair and when their rights might be at risk.

Navigating Social Media

October 7, 2025

Social media allows us to connect with others and express ourselves, but it also comes with risks. Everything you post, comment, or share can have a much longer digital footprint than you’d expect. For this reason, its important to stay up to date on how to protect your rights online.

What most people don’t realize, is that almost everything is protected under privacy and free expression laws. Each platform has their own specific rules, so its important understand when you’re no longer protected under free expression, and policy begins.

Knowing your rights online goes beyond social media. It also means to be aware of where, when, and how your information is used. Most apps and websites collect data on your user habits, and a quick read on their privacy settings will give you a general idea of how they function. With this you can also adjust them to your liking.

The easiest way to stay safe online is to think before posting anything, no matter how big or small you think it is. Remember, once you post something its always going to exist in somewhere, even if you delete it later on.