Young people and the law
Includes legal rights, support for young victims of crime, Children's Hearings and cyber bullying.
Smacking and children
From 7 November 2020 all forms of physical punishment or physical discipline of children is against the law in Scotland.
Being referred to the Children's Reporter
What happens when a young person is referred to the Children's Reporter.
Children and young people's rights
Children have their own special rights on top of the ones everyone else gets.
Children and young witnesses at court
If you need to go to court and you’re not sure what will happen, you can get support to help you feel ok about talking at court.
Children's Hearings
Legal tribunals that help young people with problems, such as they're not looked after properly or are in trouble with the police or their school.
Complain about Children's Hearings Scotland
How to complain if you aren't happy with the service being provided by Children's Hearings Scotland (CHS) or its partners.
Complain about the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration (SCRA)
How to complain to the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) if you’re unhappy with their service.
Find your local Children's Reporter
Find contact details and opening times for your local Children’s Reporter office.
If a young person gets in trouble with the police
What happens if a child or young person gets in trouble with the police – includes the age of criminal responsibility and Children's Hearings.
Staying safe online
Information about staying safe online, including: social media, apps, online fraud, cyber bullying, deleting your browser history and reporting online crime to the police.
What happens at a Children's Hearing court case
What happens when a Children's Hearing is sent to court – includes people in the courtroom, witnesses and what the sheriff can decide.
Young victims of crime: support
Advice and help if you’re a child or young person affected by crime, or their parent or guardian.
Youth crime: support
How to report a crime committed by a person under the age of 16, and what support is available.
