Virginia Beach Juvenile Court Changes: 5 Things Every Parent Should Know About New Privacy Rules (2025)

If you're a parent navigating the juvenile court system in Virginia Beach, you need to know about several significant privacy and family law changes that took effect in 2025. These updates directly impact how your child's information is protected, your access to their records, and what rights you have in various legal proceedings.

Understanding these changes can help you better advocate for your child's interests and ensure you're fully informed about your parental rights. Let's break down the five most important developments every parent should understand.

1. Enhanced Data Privacy Protections for Children Under 13

Starting January 1, 2025, Virginia implemented stronger privacy protections for children through amendments to the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA). These rules create a protective barrier around your child's personal information that companies and online services must respect.

What This Means for Your Family

Companies that collect data from "known children" – defined as users under 13 years old – now face strict limitations on what they can do with that information. They cannot use your child's personal data for targeted advertising, behavioral profiling, or selling to third parties without explicit parental consent.

Here's what companies are now prohibited from doing with your child's data:

• Creating detailed behavioral profiles for marketing purposes

• Collecting precise location data unless absolutely necessary for the service

• Sharing personal information with advertisers or data brokers

• Using facial recognition or biometric data without clear notification

Your Action Steps

You now have stronger legal grounds to challenge companies that misuse your child's information. If you discover a company violating these protections, you can file complaints with Virginia's Attorney General's office. Additionally, review the privacy settings on any apps, games, or websites your child uses to ensure they comply with these new standards.

2. Guaranteed Access to Your Child's Academic and Health Records

One of the most practical changes for parents involves your right to access your child's school and medical records. Virginia has clarified that both custodial and non-custodial parents have equal rights to monitor their child's academic progress and healthcare through secure online portals.

Breaking Down the Barriers

Previously, some schools and healthcare providers created unnecessary obstacles for non-custodial parents trying to access their child's information. The new law eliminates this gray area by explicitly guaranteeing your access rights, regardless of your custody arrangement.

You can now access:

• Real-time grade reports and attendance records

• Vaccination schedules and medical appointment summaries

• Disciplinary actions or behavioral concerns

• Educational accommodation plans or special services

What to Do If You're Denied Access

If a school or healthcare provider refuses to grant you access to your child's records, you have clear legal recourse. Document the denial in writing, then contact the institution's administration to reference the updated Virginia law. If they continue to deny access, you can file a motion in family court to enforce your parental rights.

Remember, this access applies even in contentious co-parenting situations. Your ex-spouse cannot legally block your access to these records, and institutions cannot use custody disputes as justification for denial.

3. Social Media Time Limits and Age Verification Requirements

Virginia's approach to protecting children online has evolved significantly in 2025. While some restrictions took effect in January, additional provisions regarding social media use for minors will begin in January 2026.

The New Social Media Landscape

Starting next year, social media platforms must implement "commercially reasonable" age verification methods to identify users under 16. Once verified as a minor, these accounts will have default time limits of one hour per day per app.

Here's what makes this law parent-friendly:

• You can adjust time limits up or down based on your family's needs

• Account creation doesn't require prior parental consent

• Companies cannot charge extra or reduce services for minor accounts

• The controls are optional tools for parents, not mandatory restrictions

Preparing Your Family

Even though full implementation isn't until 2026, now is the perfect time to establish healthy social media boundaries with your children. Discuss time limits, appropriate content, and online safety. When the new verification systems launch, you'll be ready to customize them according to your family's values and needs.

4. Updated Child Support Calculations Affecting Your Finances

Virginia overhauled its child support guidelines for the first time in over a decade, with changes taking effect July 1, 2025. Even if your custody arrangement and income haven't changed, these updates could significantly impact your financial obligations or entitlements.

Understanding the New Formula

The Schedule of Monthly Basic Child Support Obligations now covers combined gross monthly incomes up to $42,500, increased from the previous $35,000 threshold. This expansion means more families fall under the standardized calculation system, potentially creating more predictable support amounts.

Why This Matters for Your Case

Whether you're paying or receiving child support, the new guidelines could affect your situation in several ways:

• Existing support orders may qualify for modification based on the updated formula

• New support calculations will reflect current economic realities

• Higher-income families now have clearer guidance instead of relying purely on judicial discretion

Taking Action

If you have an active child support arrangement, consider consulting with a family law attorney to determine whether the new guidelines warrant a modification request. The calculation changes could work in your favor, whether you're seeking an increase or decrease in support amounts.

5. Strengthened Juvenile Court Confidentiality and Protective Orders

Virginia has reinforced its commitment to protecting children's privacy in legal proceedings while also enhancing safety measures for families facing domestic violence situations.

Enhanced Privacy Protections

Juvenile court records remain strictly confidential, with social, medical, psychiatric, and psychological records kept separate from adult court files. Only authorized parties can access these documents, ensuring your child's sensitive information doesn't become public record.

This confidentiality extends to:

• Mental health evaluations and treatment records

• Academic assessments and special education plans

• Substance abuse treatment or counseling records

• Any testimony or statements made by your child in court proceedings

Expanded Protective Order Options

For families dealing with domestic violence, Virginia has strengthened protective order provisions. Courts can now issue orders lasting up to four years if the respondent has had a prior protective order within the past 10 years. Additionally, military protective orders are now admissible as evidence in civil proceedings, improving enforcement for military families in the Virginia Beach area.

Practical Benefits for Parents

These enhanced protections provide several advantages:

• Extended safety measures that don't require frequent court appearances for renewal

• Better coordination between military and civilian court systems

• Streamlined enforcement across different jurisdictions

• Stronger legal tools for protecting children from harmful situations

Moving Forward with Confidence

These 2025 changes represent Virginia's commitment to protecting children's privacy while empowering parents with better access to information and stronger legal protections. Whether you're currently involved in juvenile court proceedings or simply want to stay informed about your parental rights, understanding these updates positions you to make better decisions for your family.

The key is staying proactive rather than reactive. Review your child's online privacy settings, confirm your access to academic and health records, and consider whether the new child support guidelines might affect your situation. If you're facing safety concerns, know that you have enhanced legal tools available to protect your family.

Remember, these changes are designed to support families, not complicate your life. By staying informed and taking appropriate action when needed, you can navigate Virginia's legal system more effectively while ensuring your child's best interests remain the top priority.

If you need assistance understanding how these changes apply to your specific situation, consider consulting with a family law attorney who can provide personalized guidance based on your circumstances. The legal landscape continues evolving to better serve families, and staying informed helps you take full advantage of these protections.