As parents, we've always been there to guide and support our children, from attending parent-teacher conferences to making medical appointments. But when your child turns 18, the landscape changes drastically. Privacy laws like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) grant your child full control over their educational, health, and legal records. This can make it difficult for you to stay involved and provide the guidance they still need.
When your teen turns 18 and privacy laws change everything it can be difficult to navigate the transition. They gain more independence and are exposed to new legal matters that weren’t a concern when they were younger. Simply coming of driving age and getting behind the wheel greatly increases their responsibility and opens them up to further legal problems. Imagine if your teenager has a traffic-related issue, ranging from a citation to personal injuries resulting from an automobile accident. Even the best kids can find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Teens today are spending more time online, and social media has become a powerful tool that can impact their lives well into the future. Many colleges, universities, and employers now examine social media profiles even before reviewing transcripts and resumes, making it crucial for young adults to maintain a positive online presence.
With the rise of hacking, identity fraud, and cyberbullying, it’s essential to implement key preventative measures to protect your young adult, especially while they are away at college. Proactive steps can safeguard their digital footprint and provide peace of mind for both parents and students.
Understanding the Shift
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)**
This law affects access to your child's educational records. Once they turn 18 or attend a post-secondary institution, the rights to educational records transfer from parents to the student, meaning you need their consent to access these records.
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)**
This law protects the privacy of your child’s health information. Post-18, you can no longer access their medical records or make healthcare decisions on their behalf without their explicit permission.
The Impact on Parental Guidance
Just these two privacy laws can create barriers to assisting your child in critical moments. Whether they face academic challenges, health issues, or legal troubles, your role as a supportive guide becomes more complicated.
Let’s Talk Preventative Measures
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to remain involved and supportive during this transition:
1. Open Communication
Build a relationship based on trust and open dialogue. Encourage your child to share their experiences and challenges with you.
2. Empower Your Kids with the Right Tools and Resources
Navigating these changes can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. LegalShield, your partner in legal protection, offers simple and affordable legal protection and resources for families. With LegalShield, you have access to a network of experienced attorneys who can provide advice, review necessary contract agreements that may affect your child such as car purchases, cell phones, and student housing, and offer support for any legal issues that may arise as your child transitions into adulthood.
If your young adult's rights are being questioned or they are detained for any reason, they can tap their LegalShield app and get access to an attorney local to where they are standing. Knowing that your young adult is empowered to access professional help even in the middle of the night or on the weekend, does it make you feel more comfortable about sending them off to college?
How LegalShield Helps
1. Personal legal advice on an unlimited number of personal issues
2. Unlimited contract and document review up to 15 pages, including but not limited to, student loan documents, housing and lease agreements, FERPA, and HIPAA waivers
3. Letters and phone calls to help resolve disputes
4. Living Will, Healthcare, and Financial Power of Attorney
5. Traffic ticket assistance
6. 24/7 emergency access
7. ...and more.
Turning 18 marks a new chapter in your child's life, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your guidance and support. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, aided by LegalShield, you can empower your young adult to make informed decisions and continue to play a crucial support role in their journey to adulthood.
Reach out to us today to learn more about how we, along with LegalShield, can help you and your child navigate this significant transition. Your family's legal protection is our priority. https://lenkabrady.legalshieldassociate.com
Lenka Brady, Founder, Start A Business, LLC
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