Children's rights
Here you will find information about children's rights in Sweden.
Children's rights
Children have a special position in Swedish society and children’s rights are especially protected by law. In Sweden, anyone under the age of 18 is regarded a child. Children who are refugees under the Temporary Protection Directive have the same rights as other children in Swedish society. For example, all children are entitled to full medical care while adult refugees under the Temporary Protection Directive are entitled only to urgent care and care that cannot wait.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child became Swedish law on 1 January 2020. The Convention on the Rights of the Child aims to give children, regardless of their background, the right to be treated with respect and to be allowed to be heard.
These principles are about the equal value and rights of all children. No one can be discriminated against. The child must also not be discriminated against or punished for anything that parents are or do.
The child’s best interest
In all actions and decisions concerning children, the Swedish Migration Agency must take into account what is in the best interests of the child and how the child will be affected. This does not mean that a decision will always be a child or parent’s first choice, but the child’s best interest should always be weighed into the decision.
Corporal punishment of children
In Sweden, as in 60 other countries in the world, the use of physical or psychological violence against children is prohibited by law. It is not allowed to subject children to violence of any kind, even as a part of upbringing.
Child safety
If the parents expose the child to harm or anything else that endangers the child's health and development, it is the social services that have a responsibility to ensure that the child gets what it needs. The social services conduct an investigation to assess if the child has a need for protection or support from the social services. Both parents and children are allowed to speak during such an investigation and most of the time the social services and the parents can work together and come to a conclusion about what is best for the child.
Notification of concern
Staff at schools, preschool or, for example, the Swedish Migration Agency are obliged to immediately notify the Social Welfare Board if one suspects that a child is in danger.
If you yourself are worried that a child is in danger, you can contact the social services in the municipality in which the child lives. If you have witnessed violence against a child, you can contact the police at the telephone number 114 14.
Support for parents
It is not always easy to be a parent and the responsibility can sometimes feel difficult and lonely. Social services can act as a support for you as a parent if you need it. It is entirely normal to sometimes feel as a parent that you are not enough. Early childhood and adolescence can be challenging for all parents, especially if you or your child have experienced difficult events. There is nothing wrong with needing support, advice or confirmation, and many families receive help from social services.
You can turn to the social services and request support and help yourself. You can also turn to social services, childcare centres or school counsellors, who can guide you further.
Film tip – Being a Parent in Sweden
See the film Being a Parent in Sweden
External link, opens in new window.
The “Start Talking About” films are jointly produced by MILSA education platform and InformationSverige.se.
Age of majority
The age of majority in Sweden is 18 years. To become the age of majority means that you have both the right and the obligation to take responsibility for yourself, your things and your daily life. Until then, it is your parent or guardian who is responsible for you. For example, when you have turned 18, you have the right to get married, enter into financial agreements and get a driving licence. You will also be responsible for your case at the Swedish Migration Agency. If you have turned 18 and want continued help from your parents or another adult in contact with the Swedish Migration Agency or other authorities, you need to give power of attorney to that person. If you do not attend school when you turn 18, your parents are no longer responsible for you, but if you are still in upper secondary school, they must support you until you turn 21.
