Article 14 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child means that you have the right to choose your beliefs and practice religion. Your parents can help you to make decisions around these things, but no one can force you to believe something you don’t want to believe in, or make you participate in religion that you don’t want to be a part of.

If you feel as though you’re not able to choose your beliefs or practice the religion of your choice, it may be a good idea to speak to someone about your situation. If you’re thinking of running away because you’re not being allowed to choose your beliefs or religion, you can contact the Runaway Helpline for free and confidential support on 116000, 24 hours a day.

If you’d like more information about this right and the other rights you have, you can visit the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland’s website to learn about all of your rights.