Do parents or guardians have the right to inspect and copy records of children under 12?

Parents or guardians do have the right to inspect and copy records of their children under 12 years old. This right is grounded in the belief that parents are primarily responsible for their child's welfare and decision-making, including access to their educational and health records. This access helps ensure that parents can support their child's needs and advocate for their best interests.

In many jurisdictions, laws and regulations reinforce this authority, often stemming from the notion that parents or guardians play a critical role in their children's upbringing. This encompasses understanding the information recorded about their health, education, and developmental progress.

Restrictions may exist under certain circumstances, such as in cases of abuse or if parental access is deemed contrary to the best interests of the child, but generally, the presumption leans toward allowing parents or guardians the right to access these records until the child reaches a certain age or developmental capacity where they can assert their own rights.