Kids Law

Alma-Constance Denis-Smith and Lucinda Acland

This is a podcast about children and the laws that affect them as they grow up. Alma-Constance, our host, decided to start the podcast in 2021, when she turned 10 years old. Living in England, UK, she discovered that at 10 years old she would have reached the age of criminal responsibility. This is one of the youngest ages of criminalising children in the developed world. That was a pretty shocking discovery for her especially as she realised that she and her peers knew nothing about what this meant in practice and how it can affected children and their families. With the help of Lucinda Acland, a lawyer, and supported by Next 100 Years, they set out to ask some questions of leading experts to help children make sense of it all. There are a lot of laws that affect #children as they grow up and they are confusing and complicated and can affect all aspects of their day-to-day life from #education to online protections or at home, if families break up. It is difficult to keep track and understand the laws and how they impact a child's life. Alma-Constance is determined to help #TeachKidsLaw at a much younger age to help them grow up into adults confident with their legal knowledge. Understanding how the law works and being able to understand complex concepts of #justice and #ruleoflaw will help anyone as they try to navigate their lives. You can email us: kidslaw@spark21.org or reach us on social media channels and our www.kidslaw.info website. 

  1. Who Owns History? The Parthenon Marbles Debate

    3D AGO

    Who Owns History? The Parthenon Marbles Debate

    Should the Parthenon (often called the “Elgin”) Marbles be returned to Greece? In this episode of Kids Law, Alma-Constance and Lucinda explore one of the biggest cultural and legal debates in the UK. The ancient sculptures were taken from the Parthenon temple in Athens over 200 years ago and are now displayed in the British Museum. Some people believe they were legally acquired. Others argue they should be reunited with the rest of the temple in Greece. So what does the law say? And can the law change? We’re joined by solicitor Mark Stephens CBE, consultant at Howard Kennedy and a long-time campaigner for the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles. Mark explains: How Museum laws developed over timeWhy national museums in the UK currently cannot return objects, even if they want toWhy some countries say cultural objects are more than “museum pieces” — they are part of identityWhat “provenance checking” means and why it matters todayWhether returning objects would empty museums — or make them fairerWe also explore: Why learning from the past isn’t the same as judging itWhether the age of criminal responsibility (currently 10 in England and Wales) is too youngWhy lowering the voting age to 16 could strengthen democracyHow the law evolves as society grows upMark shares his belief that the law is strongest when it protects the smallest voices — and that asking questions is often where change begins. When he was 10, Mark says he was very curious, asked a lot of questions and cared about fairness a lot. As always, Kids Law helps young people understand how laws affect them — and how they can shape the future. If you have worries or need support: Childline: 0800 1111 (free confidential advice for under 18) Visit: www.kidslaw.info Please subscribe, rate and share the podcast — and keep your brilliant questions coming.  References https://www.britishmuseum.org/about-us/british-museum-story/contested-objects-collection https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/time-to-rethink-our-museums-and-return-stolen-goods-says-high-profile-lawyer/5110128.article The British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles https://www.parthenonuk.com/component/tags/tag/mark-stephens-cbe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Stephens_(solicitor)  The Art Newspaper Howard Kennedy If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends. See you soon in the next episode!

    18 min
  2. From Participation to Power: Why Children’s Voices Matter

    12/18/2025

    From Participation to Power: Why Children’s Voices Matter

    Want to know how you can influence the decisions that shape your life? Arthur Templeman-Lily at 17 years old is a children’s rights consultant from Wales, who works to ensure young people’s voices are heard in decisions that affect their lives. He tells Alma and Lucinda about his experience in children participating in shaping law and policy, and why Cardiff is a leader in children’s rights.  Arthur explains how he became involved in children’s rights work and champion youth voices. We discuss: ·      How he went about producing the children-led book, ‘Pause, Play, Fast   Forward: The Journey of Children in Wales’ ·      how the book is being used in schools and youth settings ·      why Wales became one of the first UK nations to criminalise smacking ·      the reasons and importance of voting at 16 years old ·      the age of criminal responsibility, comparing Wales with Scotland. ·      advice for children who want to learn more about their rights or get involved. When Arthur was 10, he really enjoyed history and loved writing fan fiction about  the Lion King!  If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends. See you soon in the next episode!

    31 min
  3. School Exclusions and Children’s Rights

    10/23/2025

    School Exclusions and Children’s Rights

    Content Warning: This episode mentions domestic and sexual abuse, possession of weapons, and mental health difficulties in relation to behaviour that may lead to school exclusion. Children as young as 10 can be held responsible for crimes – but they also have special rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda talk to Florence Cole, an education solicitor at Harrow Law Centre, about the laws around children’s education, why exclusions happen, and what can be done to protect young people. Florence has many years' experience supporting children and families through exclusions, appeals, discrimination cases, and special educational needs issues. She explains: ·       When parents can legally challenge a school or local authority decision ·       Why exclusions can have devastating long-term effects ·       How children’s backgrounds, trauma and unmet special needs can influence behaviour ·       The “school-to-prison pipeline” and pupil referral units ·       Practical tips for parents and carers facing exclusion hearings ·       How the law (Equality Act 2010, Children & Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations) protects children with special educational needs When Florence was 10, she loved spending time in nature and had an imaginary friend called Frieda.  References and Resources  Harrow Law CentreBehaviour in schools: sanctions and exclusionsDiscriminatory exclusionsSchool exclusion: a review on disproportionate exclusion of certain childrenSchool suspensions and permanent exclusionsIf you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends. See you soon in the next episode!

    34 min
  4. Escaping Danger: Why People Seek Refuge in Other Countries

    09/04/2025

    Escaping Danger: Why People Seek Refuge in Other Countries

    We hear in the news about people fleeing their homes to become asylum seekers or refugees, why is this?  Alma and Lucinda talk to Lance Bartholomeusz from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to find out: ·       The difference between refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants ·       Why so many people around the world are forced to leave their homes ·       What protections and rights refugees have under international law ·       The role of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) around the world ·       How refugee children are supported to go to school, stay safe, and build new lives ·       The challenges people face when starting a new life in a different country You’ll also hear real examples of the UNHCR’s work, from helping Palestinian families in neighbouring countries, to supporting Rohingya communities in Bangladesh, to protecting displaced people in Ukraine, and how Uganda supports Sudanese refugees in Africa.  When Lance was 10 he wanted to be a snake handler!  References and Resources  United Nations Refugee Agency  United Kingdom for UNHCR  Kate Blanchett on Statelessness  Patrick Eba UNHCR’s policy and legal expert ‘Why do refugees need protection?’ There are more stories at www.unhcr.org under news and stories. Here are the latest stories relating to children: News and stories | UNHCR There were 8.4 million asylum-seekers awaiting decisions on their individual applications at the end of 2024, the highest number ever recorded, marking a 22 per cent increase from 6.9 million the previous year. See Global Trends | UNHCR If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends. See you soon in the next episode!

    33 min
  5. Apprentice vs Graduate: Two Paths to Becoming a Solicitor

    07/17/2025

    Apprentice vs Graduate: Two Paths to Becoming a Solicitor

    Did you know you could train as a solicitor straight from school? There are two different routes to becoming a solicitor –as a graduate and as an apprentice. In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda speak to Annabel Twose, a second-year trainee, and Matt Dady, a first-year solicitor apprentice at Fieldfisher's London office, a European law firm with 25 offices in 13 countries. Together they explore: ·      Why they wanted to train as a solicitor ·      The difference between training as a solicitor apprentice or as a graduate and why chose their route ·      challenges encountered in their training  ·      A typical day and available support  ·      The area of law they want to practice once qualified  ·      Their top tips for working in a law firm  When she was 10 years old, Annabel was an avid reader and inspired by Alex Rider books wanted to be a spy. Matt wanted to work in the travel industry, as a captain of a cruise ship.    References and Resources  Fieldfisher London CILEX episode Legal Cheek Corporate Law Academy  Grow Mentoring  The Bright Network. Law Society and becoming a solicitor Law Careers – a guide to apprenticeships    ➡️ Call 999 in an emergency ➡️ Speak to an adult you trust ➡️ Or contact a confidential service like Childline: 0800 1111 ➡️ If you're under 18 and want free, confidential advice, you can also call the NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends. See you soon in the next episode!

    27 min
  6. Can You Smack a Child? What the Law Says in the UK.

    06/05/2025

    Can You Smack a Child? What the Law Says in the UK.

    Research shows that smacking a child can be physically and emotionally damaging and it’s not an effective way to discipline them. In some parts of the UK, such as Scotland and Wales, smacking a child is against the law, even if you’re just visiting. But in England and Northern Ireland, the law is different - parents can still claim a defence of ‘reasonable punishment’. In this episode, Alma-Constance and Lucinda speak to Amy Packham, a criminal barrister, Deputy Head of Lamb Building chambers, and a part-time Crown Court judge. Together, they explore: ·       Why the law around smacking children is different in different parts of the UK ·       Whether teachers or other adults are ever allowed to smack a child ·       What the law means by ‘reasonable punishment’ ·       What happens if someone reports a parent for smacking their child ·       How the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child fits into all of this If a child tells you they are being hit or they don’t feel safe, it’s important to act: ➡️ Call 999 in an emergency ➡️ Speak to an adult you trust ➡️ Or contact a confidential service like Childline: 0800 1111 ➡️ If you're under 18 and want free, confidential advice, you can also call the NSPCC helpline: 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk   References and Resources Find your local social care team through your local council. NSPCC helpline (via phone, email or online form) Kids Law Interview Why are Children’s Rights in Scotland the Strongest in the UK? S.58 The Children Act 2004 NSPCC Survey 2024 The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Report 2024 Children’s Commissioner for England Article 19 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child  If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends. See you soon in the next episode!

    23 min
  7. Does the law protect young online influencers?

    05/01/2025

    Does the law protect young online influencers?

    WARNING: Adults might want to listen to this episode before listening with young children, as we mention the words self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders in the context of examples of harmful online content. What are the legal implications for young people becoming influencers online? What happens if brands offer them sponsorship deals? These activities raise commercial, consent and ownership legal issues. Alma-Constance and Lucinda speak to Steve Kuncewicz, Partner at Glaisyers Solicitors. Steve is an expert in the law that affects the creative, digital and marketing world and he joined the our hosts to talk about the main legal issues affecting children creators of online content in the UK including: ·      General legal issues affecting online content creators ·      Young people and contracts and sponsorship deals ·      Social media platforms responsibilities and the Online Safety Act  ·      Challenges when parents involve their children in content creation ·      Cases and laws in USA lto protect young online content creators  When Steve was 10  years old, he said he was geeky and still is! He wanted to be a writer and imagined he would be Batman! References and Resources Steve Kuncewicz  Child Content Creators: What Is Protecting Minors from Exploitation? Teen Vogue article 2023: Influencer Parents and The Kids Who Had Their Childhood Made Into Content UCLA Law Review Child Influencers and Commercial Challenges Kids Law podcasts on other related topics: How can laws protect creative works? How the ICO works to protect children online                            How young people can be protected online NSPCC perspective Does the law control when a child can work and get paid for it? Online Safety Act - what is being done to keep children safe online If you've got any questions, ideas about a topic or someone to interview, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!! You can email us at kidslaw@spark21.org, contact us through the website: www.kidslaw.info or through social media: Facebook, X and Instagram @KidsLawInfo Please subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends. See you soon in the next episode!

    24 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

This is a podcast about children and the laws that affect them as they grow up. Alma-Constance, our host, decided to start the podcast in 2021, when she turned 10 years old. Living in England, UK, she discovered that at 10 years old she would have reached the age of criminal responsibility. This is one of the youngest ages of criminalising children in the developed world. That was a pretty shocking discovery for her especially as she realised that she and her peers knew nothing about what this meant in practice and how it can affected children and their families. With the help of Lucinda Acland, a lawyer, and supported by Next 100 Years, they set out to ask some questions of leading experts to help children make sense of it all. There are a lot of laws that affect #children as they grow up and they are confusing and complicated and can affect all aspects of their day-to-day life from #education to online protections or at home, if families break up. It is difficult to keep track and understand the laws and how they impact a child's life. Alma-Constance is determined to help #TeachKidsLaw at a much younger age to help them grow up into adults confident with their legal knowledge. Understanding how the law works and being able to understand complex concepts of #justice and #ruleoflaw will help anyone as they try to navigate their lives. You can email us: kidslaw@spark21.org or reach us on social media channels and our www.kidslaw.info website.