Know Your Rights: Privacy and Confidentiality Rights for Teens & Young Adults

Ever wonder who has access to your personal health info or school records — especially if you're under 18? Understanding your privacy and confidentiality rights can help you feel more confident when reaching out for support, going to a doctor, or talking to someone at school. Two federal laws — FERPA and HIPAA — play a big role in protecting your information.

Here’s what you should know:

> FERPA – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

What it covers: Your school records — like grades, disciplinary history, and more.

• If you’re under 18, your parent or guardian usually decides who can access your school information.

• When you turn 18 or start college, those rights typically transfer to you — meaning you get to choose who can see your educational records.

• FERPA helps make sure schools don’t share your private information without permission (except in certain situations, like emergencies).

  
  

Learn more about FERPA here.

> HIPAA – Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

What it covers: Your personal health information — including doctor visits, diagnoses, medications, and mental health care.

Some states allow minors (that’s you, if you’re under 18) to make decisions about certain types of health care without needing parent permission. That might include:

• Birth control and sexual health services

• Testing and treatment for STDs or HIV

• Pregnancy-related care

• Mental health or substance use treatment

  
  

In these cases, you might have the right to keep this information private, even from your parent or caregiver. Whether or not it stays private depends on your state’s laws. 

It’s okay to ask your doctor or counselor questions like, “Is this confidential?” or “Will my parent or guardian be notified?”

Parents of children being treated for mental illness, substance use or addiction can find more information about what they should know about HIPPA here. 

What This Means for You

• If you’re getting help for mental health, sexual health, or substance use, you may have extra privacy protections, even if you're under 18.

• Once you’re 18 or in college, you’re typically in charge of your own records — school and health.

• Not all situations are the same — it depends on your age, the kind of care you’re getting, and the laws in your state.

Learn More

Understanding your rights isn’t always simple — and that’s okay. If you’re unsure, talk to a school counselor, doctor, or trusted adult who can help explain what applies to you. Find more information from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.