minderåriges

Minderåriga is a term used in Swedish to refer to persons who have not reached the age of legal adulthood. In most contexts, a minderårig is someone under 18, although the exact age threshold can vary by country. In Sweden, the age of majority is 18, and those under that age are generally regarded as having limited civil capacity.

Legally, minderåriga typically require the involvement or consent of a parent or guardian for many binding acts, such as entering into long‑term contracts or making certain property decisions. Parental responsibility covers upbringning, care and administration of the minor’s affairs. In some circumstances, a court may grant emancipation or appoint a guardian to represent the minor's interests, allowing greater independence.

Rights and protections for minderåriga emphasize welfare and safety. They have rights to education, healthcare, and protection from exploitation, abuse, and neglect. Legislation often restricts child labor and imposes special rules for safeguarding minors in schools, online environments, and media. International instruments, notably the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, establish that children should be protected and guided until they reach adulthood.

Context and variation: the term minderåriga is most closely associated with Swedish (and Norwegian) usage, where 18 is commonly the age of majority. Many jurisdictions maintain 18 as the default age, but certain rights—such as consent to medical treatment, driving, or voting—may have different ages. Emphasis across systems remains on ensuring protection, development, and appropriate autonomy for individuals who have not yet reached adulthood.