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Taking pictures and posting them online has become a normal part of everyday life. But what happens when someone shares an embarrassing photo of you, posts a private image, or uses your picture to promote a product without asking? The answer depends on the circumstances, because not every unwanted photo is automatically illegal. KEY FACTS Consent and privacy matter. The circumstances in which a photo was taken and shared can affect whether the conduct is unlawful. Public and

Online shopping makes buying almost anything easier than ever. However, what happens when you pay for something that never arrives, receive a completely different product, or discover that a seller was fake? Knowing your consumer rights can help you protect your money and understand what steps to take. KEY FACTS Not every bad purchase is a scam. A product being disappointing is different from a seller intentionally deceiving customers. Keep proof of your purchase. Receipts, o

Imagine a teacher says something that seems unfair, or a student witnesses an argument in the hallway. Someone pulls out their phone and starts recording. They might believe that recording is automatically legal because they are at school or because they live in a one-party-consent state. But is it? Recording at school raises important questions about consent, privacy, student rights, and school rules. Understanding the law can help students make informed decisions before pre

When a Fake Image Creates Real Consequences Imagine opening your phone and seeing a picture of yourself online that looks completely real—but you never took the picture and never agreed to be in it. Artificial intelligence has made it easier to create realistic images, videos, and audio that can make people appear to say or do things that never happened. When these deepfakes involve students, they can raise important questions about bullying, privacy, consent, and the law. Wh

Can your school punish you for something you post on social media from home? The answer is: sometimes—but schools do not have unlimited authority over your off-campus speech. A major Supreme Court case, Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., addressed this question. In 2017, a high school student posted on Snapchat outside of school after she was not selected for her school’s varsity cheerleading team. The school punished her by removing her from the junior varsity team. The S

Imagine your school announces a new policy that you strongly disagree with. You and your classmates decide to organize a peaceful protest. You make posters, create a petition, and ask students to participate in a walkout. Then an administrator tells you: “You’re students. You don’t have the right to protest at school.” Is that true? Not exactly. Students in public schools have constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression. But those rights are not unlimited, and s

Seeing a police officer or school security officer at school can be intimidating, especially when you are the student being questioned. But being at school does not mean you give up all of your constitutional rights. Students still have protections involving searches, questioning, and self-incrimination. Knowing these rights can help you respond calmly and understand when you should ask for help from a parent, guardian, or attorney. 1. You Have the Right to Remain Silent Duri

You see a post about someone at school, and it's accusing them of doing something terrible. You don't know if it's true, but you repost it anyway. A few hours later, hundreds of people have seen it. Now what? Social media makes it incredibly easy to share information, but it also makes it incredibly easy for rumors and false accusations to spread. And sometimes, what seems like “just a post” can have real consequences. What Is Defamation? Defamation is generally when someone

We all post things online. Maybe it’s a TikTok, an Instagram story, a comment, a picture your friend tagged you in, or even an old account you completely forgot about. But what happens when you’re applying to college? Your digital footprint is everything you leave behind online. And while your social media probably isn’t the first thing you think about when you hear “college admissions,” it can still tell people a lot about you. Do Colleges Actually Look at Social Media? Some

Being a teenager can come with academic pressure, family problems, social stress, and many other challenges. While feeling stressed or overwhelmed sometimes is normal, no one should feel like they have to deal with everything alone. Knowing where to find mental health support can make it easier to ask for help when it is needed. One of the first places students can turn to is their school. School counselors, social workers, psychologists, and trusted teachers can help student

Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of students’ everyday lives. From AI-powered study tools to chatbots that can explain difficult topics, artificial intelligence can help students learn in new and useful ways. However, using AI also comes with responsibility. Students must understand how to use these tools ethically, safely, and honestly. One of the most important responsibilities students have is being honest about their work. Using AI to explain a difficult

Getting your first job is an exciting milestone. Whether you're working at a restaurant, retail store, grocery store, or summer camp, having a job helps you gain experience, earn money, and develop important life skills. However, it's also important to understand that, as a teen employee, you have legal rights that protect you in the workplace. Fair Pay Most teen workers are entitled to at least the minimum wage required by federal or state law. Some states have a higher mini

Every student deserves access to education and fair treatment. In the United States, immigrant and international students have important legal rights that help ensure they can learn, participate in school, and succeed academically. Understanding these rights can help students and families feel more confident navigating school systems. Why These Rights Matter Students come from many different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Schools should provide safe learning environmen

Many of the rights students have today were shaped by decisions made by the United States Supreme Court. These cases help define what schools can and cannot do, while also protecting student rights. Understanding these landmark cases can help students better understand their freedoms, responsibilities, and legal protections at school. Why Should Students Care? Supreme Court decisions affect everyday school life, including: Free speech School searches Online behavior Student d

Growing up means gaining more freedom — but also more legal responsibility. Between ages 16 and 18, teens begin dealing with real-world laws involving driving, jobs, social media, school, and police interactions. Understanding these laws can help teens stay safe, make smart choices, and protect their future. What Does “Legal Responsibility” Mean? Legal responsibility means being accountable for your actions under the law. In Texas, teens begin gaining legal responsibilities a

Every student deserves to feel safe at school. Bullying and harassment can seriously affect a student’s mental health, education, and sense of security, which is why schools are required to respond when incidents occur. Although there is no single federal anti-bullying law in the United States, bullying may become illegal harassment when it targets someone based on race, sex, religion, disability, or another protected characteristic. In Texas, bullying is generally defined as

Many students are unaware that they still have constitutional rights while at school. Public schools must balance maintaining safety and order with respecting students’ freedoms. Understanding these rights can help students speak up respectfully, recognize unfair treatment, and better understand school rules and policies. One of the most important student rights is freedom of speech. In the landmark Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines, the Court ruled that students do not

Today’s teens spend a large part of their lives online, whether through social media, gaming platforms, or school-issued devices. While the internet creates opportunities for learning and communication, it also raises important questions about privacy and digital responsibility. Many students do not realize that online activity is not always private, especially when using school devices or accounts. -Schools in Texas can monitor activity if it affects safety, learning, or sc