Imagine NEVER, being able to step outside. NEVER. I am not talking about being grounded for a weekend. I am talking about no community, no friends, no school, no fresh air. This is Maddy’s life in Everything, Everything.
Maddy’s mother has lied to her, claiming she is allergic to the outside world, and uses that lie to control every part of her life.
But in real life, you have legal rights over your body, your health and your future.
Maddy’s story helps us to understand what those rights are, and why they matter.
Your body, Your choice (mostly!)
In Everything, Everything, Maddy’s whole life is controlled by someone else.
But this should not be the case, as you have your own rights over your own body and health.
What the Law says: Do you have a say when it comes to your medical treatment?
If you’re under 16, doctors assist you to make your own medical decisions if they decide you are Gillick competent even if your view might be different to your parents or carers. This means that if you understand what the treatment means, its risks, benefits, and alternatives, you can consent for yourself.
(For those interested, more information on Gillick competence provided by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is available here).
If you’re 16 or 17, the law presumes that you have capacity to consent under the Family Law Reform Act 1969.
In emergencies or serious mental health situations, doctors might treat you without consent, but only to keep you safe!
If you cannot consent, someone with parental responsibility can decide for you. BUT professionals will step in if there are concerns that a decision is not in your best interests.
Also, if you can consent, you generally have the right to access your own medical records.
The UNCRC protects these rights. UNCRC stands for ‘United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child’. It is an international Human Rights treaty that protects the rights of children.
The Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011 has made the UNCRC applicable in Wales.
Article 24 of the UNCRC says you have the right to the highest possible standard of health.
Back to the Book…
Maddy should have been able to ask questions, see her medical records, and speak directly to the doctors, especially once she was old enough to understand her condition.
Protection or prison?
In the book, Maddy’s mother is making all of Maddy’s decisions for her.
What the law says: Your right to have a voice in decisions that affect you
Adults with parental responsibility can make big decisions for you until you’re 18. BUT you are entitled to have your voice heard too.
These big decisions include things like where you live if your parents separate, which school you go to, which religion you follow, and decisions about medical treatment. The Family Court in England & Wales endeavours to understand and respect the voice of the child/young person when making significant decisions about that person’s life.
The decision made must be in your best interests. Article 3 of the UNCRC places children’s best interests at the heart of decisions. The Children Act 1989 states that the court must make decisions with the child’s welfare as the paramount consideration.
Your views must be taken seriously. Article 12 of the UNCRC specifically says children should be heard in matters affecting them, and that their views should be given “due weight” depending on their age and maturity.
If the adults around you are not acting in your best interests, professionals can and should step in.
Back to the Book…
Under Welsh law, Maddy should have been involved in decisions about her life. Safeguarding or social services should have stepped in to prevent unnecessary restrictions on her freedom.
What the law says: Your right to live life to the fullest
You are supposed to experience the world, not just exist safely in it.
Article 15 of the UNCRC says that you have the right to meet up with friends, join groups, and take part in peaceful gatherings without adults stopping you (unless it is to keep you safe).
Article 31 of the UNCRC protects your right to rest, play and enjoy culture. You should be able to participate in activities like gaming, playing sports, hanging out with friends, doing hobbies, going to events, or creating art. These aren’t ‘extra’ activities; they are part of what helps you understand who you are and where you fit in the world.
There should also be places where you can do these activities. The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 says Wales should be a place where people live ‘healthy, fulfilled lives’. These places include safe parks and green spaces, youth centres, sports facilities, community hubs, well-maintained school environments, and accessible health and wellbeing services.
Back to the Book…
Maddy is denied these rights. Her world is limited to a few rooms because her mum believes that ‘safe’ is the same as ‘alive’.
But Welsh law makes it clear that your life should be bigger than that. You have the right to experience the world and discover who you are.
Putting it all together
Your freedom, independence, happiness and growth are protected by the law.
Everything, everything shows what happens when rights are ignored.
Maddy’s world shrinks because she is being denied choice, voice and connection.
The big message? Safety should never erase freedom. Care should never feel like a cage. And your rights exist to help you live fully, not quietly.
How to stand up for your rights
If you think your rights are not being respected, there are things you can do.
- Visit the Children’s Legal Centre Wales website for more information
- Talk to a trusted adult. This could be a teacher, family friend, youth worker, coach, school nurse
- Ask to speak to a doctor alone
- Reach out to your Children’s Commissioner (Wales) or other local rights organisations
- See if there is a youth rights or legal advice group in your school or community
- Contact Meic Cymru: 080880 23456
About the Author
I am Tamsin Beaumont, a final year law student at Swansea University. I have developed a strong interest in human rights law, especially in the context of children. I am passionate about improving access to justice, and believe that every young person should understand their rights and feel empowered to stand up for themselves. Through my studies and experiences, I hope to contribute to a society where children’s voices are not only heard but truly valued.
Many thanks to Belinda Moseley from Geldards for checking the legal content of this blog.