Let’s talk about trust. Not the kind that keeps your teenager from lying about curfew, but the kind that determines whether they’ll walk into a clinic when everything feels broken—and whether that decision needs your signature.

North Carolina’s latest push to tighten parental oversight on youth medical decisions has reignited this debate. House Bill 519, dubbed the Parents’ Medical Bill of Rights, passed the House this week. It would roll back long-standing carveouts that let minors seek mental health, addiction, and sexual health services without parental approval.

👉 Read our full breakdown of the bill at The Charlotte Mercury:

The bill’s backers say it restores parental authority. Its critics say it risks silencing kids who most need help.

Not All Parents Are Safe

“Wouldn’t you want to help your child?” Rep. Jennifer Balkcom asked in support of the bill. That’s easy to answer if your child trusts you. Or if you’re not the one they fear.

Opponents like Rep. Deb Butler warn the law ignores harsh realities. Some homes are not havens. Some parents are not listening. And some teens need a way out before it’s too late.

The new legislation would require minors to get parental consent before accessing treatment for:

• Mental health
• Drug and alcohol use
• Sexually transmitted diseases

There are exceptions for emergencies, abuse cases, and STI testing for teens over 16. But most other protections? Gone.

The TikTok Dilemma

Supporters of the bill argue it’s about accountability. Opponents say it will drive young people to riskier advice channels.

“This bill puts a chilling effect on minors seeking out treatment,” said Rep. Julie von Haefen. “Not every kid has a trusted parent that they can talk to.”

Instead, they’ll get advice from TikTok influencers, online forums, or not at all.

The logic: If you build a wall between teens and doctors, someone else is waiting on the other side—with a hashtag and a discount code.

What Charlotte Voices Are Saying

Here in Ballantyne, conversations around teen health and family balance aren’t just headlines—they’re personal.

Financial planner and local mom Gabby Starr has spoken publicly about raising two teenagers. “You’ve got to meet them where they are,” she told Strolling Ballantyne. “Sometimes that means listening instead of leading.”

Travel advisor Djarta Halliday agrees. She often plans family getaways not just to escape—but to reconnect. “It’s in those moments away from home that some of the most honest conversations happen,” she said.

So what happens if your teen wants to talk—but not to you?

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

At Strolling Ballantyne, we’re not just following this story—we’re living it, with our partners and neighbors. If you’ve got a story to share about parenting, health, or tough conversations with your teen, email us at ballantyne@strollmag.com. Every story is worth telling.

And don’t forget to RSVP for our May 22 Sip & Stroll at Ballantyne Country Club. You’ll find real talk, real laughs, and probably a few opinions about teenagers:
👉 RSVP here
More event details Here

☕ About the Author

Nell Thomas is a senior writer for The Charlotte Mercury and regular contributor to Strolling Ballantyne, where she covers politics, people, and occasionally pastries. She’s usually camped out at Einstein Bros. Bagels in Ballantyne—13736 Conlan Cir, daily 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.—armed with a turkey sausage & egg white sandwich and enough hazelnut coffee to fuel a zoning hearing.

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