Published 1 May 2025
About this booklet
This free booklet is for young people who want to know how the law in Victoria affects them. It has information about:
- what you can and can't do because of your age
- your rights
- school, bullying and staying safe online
- issues relating to work, finding a place to live and driving
- relationships, identity and family issues
- sex and consent
- sexting and image-based abuse
- changing your gender on formal documents
- vaping, cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs
- dealing with the police, security guards and public transport inspectors
- laws about weapons
- where to get help.
Updates to laws
Social media ban
From 10 December 2025, children under 16 in Australia are no longer allowed to hold accounts on certain social media platforms.
The law places obligations on the social media companies.
Children, parents and other people will not get in trouble if they break this law. For more information, including which platforms are banned, visit the eSafety Commissioner’s website.
Age of criminal responsibility
The age at which you can be charged with a crime has changed.
From 30 September 2025, you need to be at least 12 years old to be charged with a crime. This is an increase from 10 years old.
If you have a current criminal matter and were charged when you were under 12, you can contact us for help.
Updated