Seeking clarity in the twilight zone: COMMENTARY ON… ADOLESCENT DECISION-MAKING AND THE ZONE OF PARENTAL CONTROL

SUMMARY This commentary offers further arguments relating to the ambiguities inherent in the new concept of the zone of parental control (ZPC) as defined by the revised Mental Health Act Code of Practice, but argues that a directive approach needs to be balanced with flexibility. The conflicting rights of child, parent and State are also discussed. Whereas medico-legal discourse tends to base itself on previous legislative frameworks, it is argued that an evidence-based approach may also be valuable in order to ascertain and incorporate young people’s views on the matter.