Hi there
When you turn 16 you have more rights and responsibilities - for example having more choice in your education or training, legally being able to consent to sex and are able to legally make the choice to leave your family home if this is what you want to do. So in answer to your question, yes, you could leave home now without your parents consent.
At 18, when you are officially an adult, you are entitled to do everything your parents and other adults can do. Because it can feel new and you may not be financially secure at this age, it can sometimes feel confusing to know how to go about making these changes. ChildLine counsellors are here to support everyone until they turn 19.
While it is possible for you to leave home before you are 18 there are some things you will need to consider. Before you are 18 it is not possible to get a tenancy agreement to rent accommodation, nor get a mortgage to buy your own home, so for some people, this can restrict their options. Living away from home can also be expensive so you may need to consider how you may afford to move out. Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to help financially and there are options to get help to find somewhere to live when you are 17 and when you turn 18. You could get advice from your local council or from Shelter.
It might be that there are reasons you would like to move out that you would like to get some support with. ChildLine counsellors are here to support you with anything thats happening. You are welcome to talk this through, together with your feelings and options for moving out.
Take care,
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
You can ask me about anything you want, there's nothing too big or small. I read every single letter but I can only answer a few each week. My replies are published here on my page.
