Raising teenagers comes with new challenges: curfews, independence, and navigating the world of parties, friends, and social media. While most of us focus on academics, sports, or extracurriculars, one area that’s often overlooked is teaching our teens about the law.
The truth is, even good kids can make mistakes. A party that gets out of hand, a poor decision behind the wheel, or an impulsive post on social media can carry real legal consequences. For newcomer families, these mistakes can be even more serious, potentially affecting immigration status.
To help parents better understand what to teach their teens, we spoke with two experienced lawyers: Gurasish Pal Singh, a criminal lawyer with GPS Criminal Lawyers in Brampton, and Austin Mandall, an immigration lawyer with Mandall Immigration Law in Ottawa. They shared valuable insights every parent should pass on to their children.
Lesson 1: Parties and Underage Drinking
Parties are part of teen life, but alcohol often shows up sooner than parents expect. According to criminal lawyer Gurasish Pal Singh, it’s crucial that teens understand the law around underage drinking.
“In Ontario, anyone under 19 cannot legally purchase or consume alcohol in a public space,” Singh explains. “That includes house parties where alcohol is being served. Teens often assume if they’re in someone’s basement, it doesn’t matter. But if the police are called to break up a party, everyone involved could face consequences.”
Singh also warns parents that liability doesn’t stop with teens. “If alcohol is supplied by an adult—especially if impaired driving results—the person who provided it may be held responsible.”
What parents can do: Talk openly with your teen about drinking laws, and remind them that being at a party where alcohol is served can still put them at risk, even if they aren’t drinking.
Lesson 2: Peer Pressure and the Law
Many teens underestimate how quickly peer pressure can lead to legal trouble. “A lot of my young clients weren’t trying to be criminals,” Singh says. “They were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time—maybe hanging out with friends who made poor choices.”
For example, shoplifting “dares,” vandalism, or even tagging walls with graffiti can all lead to criminal charges. Teens often think such actions are harmless or easy to brush off, but a criminal record—even for a minor offence—can limit future education, travel, and career opportunities.
What parents can do: Remind your teen that being with friends who are breaking the law can still implicate them. Encourage them to trust their instincts and walk away when they feel uncomfortable.
Lesson 3: Social Media and Digital Footprints
Today’s teens live online, but what they post or share can have serious consequences. Singh emphasizes that social media is often a key factor in modern cases.
“Teens don’t realize that Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok posts can be used as evidence,” he says. “Even if they delete something, screenshots live forever.”
Cyberbullying, sharing explicit images, or making threats online are not just poor choices—they can be criminal offences. “A single reckless post can follow a teen for years,” Singh adds.
What parents can do: Teach your teen that if they wouldn’t say something to someone’s face—or in front of a teacher or police officer—they shouldn’t post it online.
Lesson 4: How Legal Trouble Affects Newcomer Families
For newcomer families, the stakes can be even higher. Immigration lawyer Austin Mandall explains that legal trouble involving a teen can impact an entire family’s immigration status.
“Permanent residents, work permit holders, and international students all need to maintain clean records,” Mandall notes. “If a teenager in the household is convicted of certain offences, it can affect not only their future but also the family’s ability to stay in Canada.”
Even charges that seem minor—like shoplifting or impaired driving—can trigger immigration complications. “I’ve seen families devastated by issues that started with one teenager’s mistake,” Mandall says.
What parents can do: Newcomer families should talk openly about the importance of following Canadian laws and understand that legal trouble here can have very different consequences than in their country of origin.
Lesson 5: Prevention Through Conversation
Both Singh and Mandall agree that prevention starts at home. Teens need to hear about the law not just in the classroom, but around the dinner table.
“Parents don’t have to scare their kids, but they should be honest,” Singh says. “Teens respect clear boundaries, especially when you explain why the rules exist.”
Mandall adds that these conversations are a way to build trust. “When teens know they can come to their parents if they make a mistake, families can act quickly to get help before a situation spirals.”
Key Takeaways for Parents
- Talk early and often. Don’t wait until your teen is already going out to parties.
- Be clear about consequences. From criminal records to immigration impacts, mistakes can be long-lasting.
- Model good behavior. Teens are more likely to follow your lead if they see you respecting the law.
- Keep communication open. Let your teen know they can call you if they’re in trouble, no questions asked.
Raising teens will always involve challenges, but teaching them about the law is one of the best ways to prepare them for adulthood. As Singh and Mandall remind us, even small mistakes can carry big consequences—especially when alcohol, peer pressure, or immigration status are involved.
By starting conversations early, setting clear expectations, and modeling responsible behavior, parents can help their teens make safer choices. After all, the goal isn’t just to keep kids out of trouble—it’s to give them the tools to grow into responsible, informed adults.
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