Children as consumers

A transaction is usually not binding if one of the parties to it is a minor. A child needs a parent's consent to make purchases.

The need for a parent's consent depends on the magnitude and type of purchase as well as the child's age.

If your child has made a purchase that he or she should not have been allowed to make, the seller is responsible. As a parent and as your child's guardian, you can demand the cancellation of the transaction.

• Without a parent's or guardian's consent, a minor can only buy ordinary products of small significance, such as pocket money purchases of reasonably priced products of the kind others in his or her age group generally buy. A pet, travel abroad, or a tattoo are examples of purchases that cannot be made without a guardian's consent
• Children 15 and over can make more significant purchases using their earnings, such as pay from a summer job, but may not buy on credit

A child cannot buy on credit

One must be 18 years old to buy on credit. A minor cannot have a credit card or take out a consumer loan, for example.

Buying on credit also includes transactions in which a good or service is not paid for at the moment of purchase, but a bill is sent to the buyer later, as in postal or online orders.

A minor cannot be subjected to a collections process, either.

 Take action

If your child has bought something without your consent or on credit,

• demand that the seller cancel the transaction. Do this within a reasonable amount of time from when you learned of the purchase
• contact a consumer advisor if a dispute arises