Children's Healthcare Guide: Your Rights & How to Get Help

What Are Your Rights in Healthcare?

As a child or young person, you have legally protected rights in healthcare. These include the right to receive information you can understand, to have your opinions heard and considered, to privacy and confidentiality, and to receive care that is appropriate for your age. These rights are protected by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

When you visit a doctor, nurse, or any other healthcare provider, you have important rights that protect you. These rights exist because children and young people deserve to be treated with respect and to have a say in decisions about their own health. Understanding your rights can help you feel more confident and in control when dealing with healthcare situations.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international agreement that sets out the rights all children have. Almost every country in the world has agreed to follow this convention, which means these rights apply to you no matter where you live. When it comes to healthcare, this convention says that you have the right to the best possible health and to access health services.

Healthcare providers are trained to respect these rights and to make sure that children and young people are treated appropriately. However, knowing your rights means you can speak up if something does not feel right, and you can ask for what you need.

The Right to Information

You have the right to receive information about your health in a way that you can understand. This means that doctors and nurses should explain things clearly, using words and explanations that make sense to you. They should not use complicated medical terms without explaining what they mean, and they should check that you have understood what they have told you.

If you do not understand something, you have every right to ask for a clearer explanation. Good healthcare providers will be happy to explain things again or in a different way. You might find it helpful to repeat back what you have understood so the doctor can check if you have got it right.

The Right to Be Heard

Healthcare providers should listen to what you have to say about your own health and wellbeing. Your opinions and feelings matter, and they should be taken into account when decisions are made about your care. This does not mean you get to make all the decisions yourself, especially when you are younger, but your voice should be part of the conversation.

As you get older, you will have more say in decisions about your healthcare. The exact age when you can make certain decisions varies depending on where you live and what type of healthcare decision it is. However, at any age, your views should be listened to and respected.

The Right to Privacy

You have the right to privacy and confidentiality in healthcare settings. This means that what you tell your doctor or nurse, and what they write in your medical records, should be kept private. They should not share this information with other people without your permission, unless there are very serious concerns about your safety or someone else's safety.

As you get older, you may want more privacy from your parents too. Many young people want to be able to talk to a doctor about some things without their parents being in the room. Depending on your age and where you live, you may have the right to confidential conversations with healthcare providers.

How Can You Prepare for a Doctor's Appointment?

Prepare for a doctor's appointment by writing down your symptoms and when they started, listing any medications you take, noting questions you want to ask, and thinking about how to describe how you feel. Bringing a trusted adult for support and taking notes during the appointment can also help.

Going to the doctor can feel a bit scary or stressful, especially if you are not sure what to expect. The good news is that being prepared can help you feel more confident and make sure you get the most out of your appointment. Whether you are going for a regular checkup or because you are not feeling well, a little preparation can make a big difference.

One of the most helpful things you can do is think about what you want to tell the doctor before you get there. This might sound simple, but when you are in the appointment, it is easy to forget things or feel nervous about speaking up. Taking a few minutes to prepare can help you remember everything important.

It is also completely normal to feel nervous about doctor's appointments. Many children and adults feel the same way. Healthcare providers understand this and are trained to help you feel more comfortable. If you are feeling anxious, you can tell them at the start of the appointment.

Write Down Your Symptoms

If you are going to the doctor because something is bothering you, it helps to write down information about your symptoms. Think about when the problem started, how often it happens, and what makes it better or worse. For example, if you have a headache, you might note how often you get headaches, how long they last, where in your head it hurts, and whether anything like bright lights or certain foods makes it worse.

Keeping a simple symptom diary in the days before your appointment can be really useful. You do not need to write a lot - just a few words about how you felt each day. This gives the doctor helpful information and means you do not have to rely on your memory during the appointment.

List Your Medications

Make a list of any medications, vitamins, or supplements you take. Include the name of each one, the dose you take, and how often you take it. If you are not sure, ask a parent or guardian to help you. It is also helpful to mention any allergies you have, especially allergies to medications.

Prepare Your Questions

Think about what you want to know and write down your questions. There is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your health. You might want to ask about what is causing your symptoms, what the treatment options are, or what you can do to feel better. Having your questions written down means you will not forget to ask them.

If you are worried about something, even if it seems small or embarrassing, it is worth mentioning to your doctor. They have heard all kinds of questions before and will not judge you. Often, the things we are most embarrassed about are actually very common.

Decide Who Should Come With You

Think about whether you want a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult with you during your appointment. Having someone there can be helpful for support and to help you remember what the doctor says. However, as you get older, you might want more privacy for some conversations, and that is okay too.

If there is something you want to discuss with the doctor privately, you can ask your parent to wait outside for part of the appointment. Most healthcare providers are happy to arrange this, and your parent should understand that it is normal for older children and teenagers to want some privacy.

What Should You Do If You Are Afraid of Needles?

Fear of needles is very common among children and adults. You can manage this fear by telling the healthcare provider, using deep breathing techniques, looking away during the procedure, using numbing cream, and having someone hold your hand. Many hospitals have specialists who help children cope with medical procedures.

Being afraid of needles is one of the most common fears, and it affects people of all ages. If the thought of having a blood test, injection, or vaccination makes you feel anxious, scared, or even panicked, you are definitely not alone. Research shows that up to one in four people experience significant fear around needles.

The good news is that there are many things that can help. Healthcare providers are very used to working with people who are afraid of needles, and they have lots of techniques to make the experience easier. The most important thing is to let them know how you feel so they can help you.

Fear of needles can develop for different reasons. Some people have had a bad experience in the past, while others do not like the idea of something going into their body, or they are worried about pain. Understanding what specifically worries you can help you find the best ways to cope.

Tell the Healthcare Provider

The first and most important step is to tell the doctor or nurse that you are afraid of needles before they start. They will not think less of you - they deal with this all the time and will want to help you through it. When they know how you feel, they can take extra care and use techniques that help.

Being honest about your fear also means you can work together to make a plan. The healthcare provider might suggest trying certain coping techniques, using numbing cream, or giving you extra time to feel ready.

Breathing Techniques

Deep breathing is one of the most effective ways to manage anxiety during medical procedures. When you breathe slowly and deeply, it sends signals to your brain that help you feel calmer. Try breathing in slowly for four counts, holding for four counts, and then breathing out for four counts. Focus on your breathing rather than what is happening.

You can practice this at home before your appointment so that it feels natural when you need to use it. The more you practice, the more automatic it becomes, and the better it works when you are feeling stressed.

Distraction

Distraction is a powerful tool for managing pain and anxiety. Many people find it helps to look away from the needle and focus on something else entirely. You might look at a picture on the wall, play a game on a phone, listen to music, or talk to someone about something completely unrelated to the procedure.

Some clinics have special distraction tools like virtual reality headsets that transport you to a calming environment during procedures. Ask if anything like this is available where you are having your procedure.

Numbing Cream

Numbing cream is a special cream that can be put on your skin before an injection or blood test to reduce or eliminate the pain. It works by temporarily numbing the area so you feel much less when the needle goes in. You usually need to apply it about 30-60 minutes before the procedure.

Ask your doctor or nurse about numbing cream if you are having a procedure that involves needles. In many places, you can get numbing cream from a pharmacy without a prescription, so you can put it on at home before you come for your appointment.

Physical Comfort

Having someone hold your hand can make a big difference. Physical touch is comforting and can help you feel less alone. You might also find it helpful to squeeze a stress ball or fidget toy during the procedure - this gives your brain something else to focus on.

Some people feel better lying down rather than sitting up during procedures, especially if they feel faint around needles. Let the healthcare provider know if you have felt dizzy or fainted before, and they can make sure you are in the safest and most comfortable position.

What Should You Do When an Adult in Your Family Is Unwell?

When an adult in your family is not well, you may feel worried, confused, or sad. These feelings are normal. It helps to talk to someone you trust, ask questions about what is happening, maintain your own routines, and remember that you are not responsible for making the adult better.

It can be very difficult when someone you love is unwell, whether it is a physical illness, a mental health problem, or an addiction. You might feel worried about them, confused about what is happening, or sad about how things have changed. Some children feel angry or frustrated, and others feel guilty even though the situation is not their fault at all.

All of these feelings are completely normal and understandable. When an important person in your life is struggling, it affects you too. It is important to know that many other children and young people are in similar situations - you are not alone in this experience.

Taking care of your own wellbeing is not selfish - it is necessary. You cannot pour from an empty cup, as the saying goes. When you look after yourself, you are better able to cope with difficult situations and to support others if that is something you want to do.

Talk to Someone You Trust

One of the most helpful things you can do is talk to someone about how you are feeling. This might be another family member, a teacher, a school counselor, a friend's parent, or anyone else you trust. You do not have to go through this alone, and sharing your feelings can help you feel less burdened.

Sometimes children worry about being disloyal if they talk about family problems. But talking about your feelings is not the same as gossiping or saying bad things about your family. You deserve support, and getting help for yourself does not hurt the person who is unwell.

Ask Questions

It is okay to ask questions about what is happening, even if the topic seems scary or difficult. Often, children imagine things that are worse than reality, and getting accurate information can actually help you feel less anxious. Ask in a calm moment when the adults around you are able to answer you properly.

Adults sometimes try to protect children by not telling them things, but this can sometimes make you feel more worried rather than less. If you feel like you are not being told enough, you can explain that you would feel better if you understood more about what is going on.

Keep Your Own Routine

Try to keep doing the things that are important to you, like going to school, seeing friends, doing activities you enjoy, and getting enough sleep. Routine and normalcy are important for your wellbeing, especially when other parts of life feel uncertain or chaotic.

It might feel wrong to do fun things when someone you love is suffering. But taking breaks to enjoy yourself is healthy and does not mean you do not care. You cannot help anyone if you are exhausted and overwhelmed.

Remember It Is Not Your Fault

Whatever is happening with the adult in your family, it is not your fault. Children sometimes believe that if they had behaved differently, or if they were somehow better, the adult would not be unwell. This is not true. Illnesses happen for many reasons, and none of them are because of anything you did or did not do.

It is also not your job to fix the problem or to make the adult better. Adults have access to doctors, therapists, and other professionals who are trained to help. Your job is to be a child and to focus on your own life and development.

Why Is Hand Washing So Important?

Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness. Many diseases spread through hands, including colds, flu, stomach bugs, and more serious infections. Washing your hands properly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds kills germs and protects both you and others.

You might think hand washing is just a simple, boring thing that adults tell you to do. But actually, it is one of the most powerful ways to protect yourself from getting sick and to stop spreading illness to others. Scientists and doctors consider hand hygiene to be one of the most important health habits anyone can have.

Germs are everywhere - on surfaces, on other people, and on the things you touch throughout the day. When you touch your face, which most people do many times an hour without even realizing it, germs from your hands can enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. Proper hand washing removes these germs before they have a chance to make you sick.

Hand washing also protects the people around you. When you are starting to get sick, you can spread germs to others before you even have symptoms. By washing your hands regularly, you reduce the chance of passing infections to your family, friends, and classmates.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

There are certain times when hand washing is especially important. You should always wash your hands before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, after touching animals, after being in a public place, and when your hands are visibly dirty.

Getting into the habit of washing your hands at these key times can significantly reduce your chances of getting sick. It only takes about 20-30 seconds, but the health benefits are enormous.

How to Wash Your Hands Properly

There is actually a proper technique for washing hands that makes sure all the germs are removed. Start by wetting your hands with clean running water and applying soap. Rub your hands together to make a lather, and make sure to scrub all surfaces including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Continue scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. A good way to time this is to hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice in your head. Then rinse your hands well under running water and dry them with a clean towel or air dry them.

What About Hand Sanitizer?

Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be a good alternative when soap and water are not available. However, soap and water are more effective at removing all types of germs, especially if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Hand sanitizer is a backup, not a replacement for proper hand washing.

To use hand sanitizer effectively, apply enough to cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. This usually takes about 20 seconds. Do not wipe or rinse off the sanitizer before it dries.

Where Can You Get Help If You Are Not Feeling Well Emotionally?

If you are struggling emotionally, you can talk to a school counselor, your regular doctor, a mental health professional, or call a helpline for young people. Many countries have confidential services specifically for children and teenagers. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength.

Just like your body can get sick or hurt, your mind and emotions can struggle too. Feeling sad, anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed sometimes is a normal part of life. But if these feelings are very intense, last for a long time, or are affecting your daily life, it might be time to get some extra support.

Mental health problems are very common among children and young people. Things like anxiety, depression, and stress affect millions of young people around the world. You are definitely not alone, and there is no shame in needing help. In fact, recognizing that you need support and reaching out for it shows real strength and self-awareness.

There are many people and services that can help when you are struggling emotionally. Finding the right support might take a bit of time, but there are options available for everyone, often for free or at low cost.

Talk to Someone at School

Schools often have counselors, psychologists, or other staff members who are trained to help students with emotional difficulties. They can provide a safe space to talk about what you are going through and can help connect you with other resources if needed. Talking to a school counselor is usually confidential, meaning they will not share what you tell them without your permission.

Talk to Your Doctor

Your regular doctor is not just for physical health problems - they can also help with mental and emotional health. They can assess how you are doing, provide some initial support, and refer you to specialists like psychologists or psychiatrists if needed. Do not be embarrassed to talk to your doctor about your feelings; this is a normal and important part of healthcare.

Contact a Helpline

Many countries have phone helplines specifically for children and young people. These are usually free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. You can call to talk about anything that is bothering you, whether it is a crisis or just something you need to get off your chest. Some helplines also offer chat or text options if you prefer not to talk on the phone.

Search online for youth helplines in your country, or ask a trusted adult to help you find the right number. Having this information saved in your phone means you can reach out whenever you need to.

Online Resources

There are many websites and apps designed to help young people with mental health. Some provide information about different mental health conditions and coping strategies, while others offer self-help tools or ways to connect with counselors online. Look for resources that are specifically designed for your age group and that are run by reputable health organizations.

What Happens During a Regular Health Checkup?

During a regular health checkup, a doctor or nurse will measure your height and weight, check your blood pressure and heart, examine your ears, eyes, and throat, and ask about how you are doing. They may give vaccinations and answer questions you or your parents have about your health.

Regular health checkups, sometimes called well-child visits or wellness exams, are appointments where you see a healthcare provider even when you are not sick. These visits are important for monitoring your growth and development, catching any problems early, and making sure you are up to date on vaccinations.

The frequency of checkups depends on your age. Babies and young children need checkups more often because they are growing and changing so quickly. As you get older, you might only need a checkup once a year or less. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often you should come in.

Checkups are also a good opportunity to ask questions about anything related to your health. Whether you are wondering about puberty, sleep, nutrition, exercise, or anything else, your doctor is there to help and provide reliable information.

Physical Examination

The healthcare provider will do a physical examination to check that your body is healthy and developing normally. This usually includes measuring your height and weight and checking them against growth charts, listening to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope, looking in your ears, eyes, and throat, and feeling your abdomen.

For older children and teenagers, the examination might also include checking blood pressure, examining the spine for scoliosis, and assessing pubertal development. The provider will explain what they are doing and why, and you can ask them to stop or slow down at any point if you are uncomfortable.

Questions and Conversation

An important part of the checkup is the conversation. The healthcare provider will ask about how things are going at school and at home, whether you are eating well and getting enough sleep, how much physical activity you are doing, and how you are feeling emotionally.

This is your chance to bring up any concerns or questions you have. Nothing is too small or too embarrassing to mention. The healthcare provider is there to help you, and they have heard all kinds of questions before.

Vaccinations

Depending on your age and vaccination history, you might receive vaccines during your checkup. Vaccinations protect you against serious diseases and are an important part of staying healthy. The healthcare provider will explain which vaccines are recommended for you and answer any questions you have about them.

What Should You Know About Your Body?

Understanding your body and how it works helps you take better care of your health. You have the right to know about changes your body will go through as you grow, to have questions answered honestly, and to have your boundaries respected. No one should touch you in ways that make you uncomfortable.

Your body belongs to you, and you have the right to understand how it works and to make decisions about it. As you grow up, your body will go through many changes, and it is helpful to know what to expect. Understanding your body can help you recognize when something is not right and can give you confidence in managing your own health.

It is completely normal to have questions about your body, including questions about topics that might feel embarrassing. Good sources of information include your parents or guardians, healthcare providers, school health classes, and reputable health websites designed for young people.

You also have the right to have your body respected. This means that no one should touch you in ways that make you uncomfortable, and you can always say no to physical contact, including from adults. If anyone ever touches you inappropriately or makes you feel uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult right away.

Understanding Puberty

Puberty is the time when your body starts changing from a child's body to an adult's body. This usually starts between ages 8 and 13 for girls and 9 and 14 for boys, but everyone develops at their own pace. Changes include growing taller, developing body hair, skin changes, and changes related to sexual development.

It is completely normal to have questions and feelings about puberty. Some young people look forward to growing up, while others feel scared or uncomfortable about the changes. Both reactions are normal. Talking to a trusted adult can help you understand what is happening and what to expect.

Your Boundaries

You get to decide who touches you and how. Even for medical examinations, you should feel comfortable and safe. Healthcare providers should explain what they need to do and get your agreement before touching you. If something does not feel right, you can ask them to stop or to explain more.

The concept of consent applies to all kinds of physical contact, not just medical situations. If anyone ever touches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, or tries to get you to do something you do not want to do, tell a trusted adult. You are never to blame if someone else behaves inappropriately toward you.