R U Legal? 

Lessons in law

Is being nasty online against the law? Can a teenager face penalties for saving inappropriate images on their phone? Can a 10-year-old be charged by police?

 

As Year 9 and 10 students learnt during R U Legal? education seminars held at the College this week, the answer to all of the above questions is ‘yes’.

 

The criminal justice system and how it affects young people was explored in detail when a Legal Aid criminal defence lawyer spoke to students, staff and parents about topical issues such new laws governing social media, the age of criminal responsibility and common ways that young people in general are getting into trouble with the law.

 

R U Legal? is a program of free community legal education sessions and resources for young people between 10 and 18 years old, developed by Legal Aid WA, and presented from the perspective of criminal lawyers and using real-life examples to show legal consequences to young people.

 

“Sending messages and publishing things can get you into all sorts of trouble,’’ students seated in the Xanten Theatre were told. “Bad choices and taking risks can have long-lasting effects and actions can affect a wide group of people.’’

 

The information was “very relevant and important for students to understand’’, said Head of House Mr McGrath.  While parents who attended a similar R U Legal? 4 Parents Guide to the Digital World at the BP Forum later the same day reported: “It was a very interesting and informative hour well spent’’.

 

To find out more about the R U Legal?programs which includes tips on cybersafety,

visit www.legalaid.wa.gov.au.

 

 

Mrs L Quartermain (Community Relations

and Marketing Officer)