Q: Can guardians take belongings from a 14-year-old for being unthankful?
I am 14 years old and being charged with unruliness. My guardians are trying to take away all the belongings from my room because they say I'm not "thankful for it." Do they have the legal right to do this?
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- Georgia
- (770) 854-0777
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- Answered
A: Yes.
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- (916) 704-3009
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A:
Your guardians do have some authority over you as a minor, especially when it comes to managing household rules and discipline. However, taking away all of your belongings because they feel you are unthankful might not be the most appropriate or legally justified response. While guardians can set rules about behavior and enforce consequences, those consequences should be reasonable and not deprive you of essential personal items.
If you feel that the punishment is unfair or too harsh, it's important to try to communicate with your guardians about how their actions are affecting you. You might also want to seek support from a trusted adult, counselor, or school resource to help mediate the situation. If things escalate or feel unsafe, it may be helpful to reach out to child protective services or a legal professional to better understand your rights.
Remember, no one should take your belongings or treat you in a way that causes emotional harm. It’s important to find a way to resolve the situation in a way that is fair and constructive for everyone involved.
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