Opinion: Debate - Mental health: should over 16s be treated like adults?

NO: NANCY KELLEY, senior policy officer, Barnardo's - There are two key issues. The first is that parents of 16- and 17-year-olds can give consent for their children to be examined. I disagree with this because if 16- and 17- year-olds are competent enough they should be allowed to make the decision to refuse treatment. The second issue is that 16- and 17-year-olds, many of whom are likely to have been in care, are very vulnerable and therefore should be entitled to the same protection as minors. For example, children under 18 should not be placed on wards with adults.

YES: SUE BAILEY, chair of the child faculty, the Royal College of Psychiatrists - It is appropriate to consider those aged 16 and 17 as adults. All under 16s deemed competent to decide about medical treatment and refuse it should have access to the full range of protection offered. We agree with the proposal relating to 16- and 17- year- olds that the Government can use compulsory powers to detain them if necessary. All minors detained in hospitals should be assessed and treated by and in age-appropriate services.