🗓️ Wondering how donation works for kids and teens? Let's bust a common myth!

Hey legends! 🧡

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A lot of kids and teens ask us the same question: “If I’m not old enough to sign up as an organ donor, can I still be one?”

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It’s a great question — and here’s the truth:

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👉 In Australia, you can’t officially register to be a donor until you're 16. BUT... if something were to happen and you hadn't registered yet, your family can still make that life-saving decision on your behalf — especially if they know what you would have wanted.

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That’s why it’s so important to have the chat early.

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🫁 Real Talk: Why It Matters

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Even though no one likes to think about scary “what ifs,” talking about organ donation before anything happens gives your family a superpower — confidence. When your loved ones know your wishes, they’re more likely to honour them.

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Some of our bravest Donate Buddies — like Milly, Ben, and Matt — were too young to register, but their families knew what kind of heroes they wanted to be. Because they’d had the chat, their legacy now lives on in the lives they saved.

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🧠 Let’s Bust Some Myths

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❌ Myth: You have to be an adult to donate.

✅ Truth: Kids and teens can donate organs and tissues too, with family consent.

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❌ Myth: Donation only happens if you sign up.

✅ Truth: If you’re under 16, your loved ones can make that choice — especially if they know it's what you wanted.

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❌ Myth: Talking about donation is scary.

✅ Truth: It’s actually super empowering. It shows kindness, bravery, and compassion.

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💬 Conversation Starters for Families

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🗨️ “Do you know what organ donation is?”

🧠 Example answer:

"Yeah! It’s when someone gives their organs or tissues — like a heart or lungs — to help another person who’s really sick. It’s like sharing a part of yourself to save someone else’s life."

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🗨️ “If you could help someone live, would you want to?”

💛 Example answer:

"I think I would. If I couldn’t use my organs or tissues anymore and someone else needed them to stay alive, I’d want to help them. That would be a kind thing to do."

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🗨️ “Have we ever talked about what we’d want to do if something happened?”

🗣️ Example answer:

"Not really... but I’d want you to know that if something ever did happen, I’d want to be a helper. I’d like to be someone who gives life."

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🗨️ “What do you think makes someone a real-life hero?”

💛 Example answer:

“Someone who helps others, even if it’s hard. Like firefighters, doctors, or even people who donate their organs or tissues to save someone else.”

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🗨️ “Why do you think talking about organ donation is important?”

🧠 Example answer:

“Because if families don’t talk, no one knows what to do. If we talk now, we can help each other make good choices later.”

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🗨️ “Can you think of a time someone helped you in a big way?”

❤️ Example answer:

“My friend shared their lunch with me when I forgot mine. It wasn’t life-saving, but it made me feel really cared for. I want to be that kind of person too.”

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🗨️ “What’s one amazing thing your body helped you do today?”

🫁 Example answer:

“My lungs helped me run in PE, and my heart kept me calm when I felt nervous before class.”

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🗨️ “If you could help someone live a longer, happier life, would you want to?”

💡 Example answer:

“Yes. I’d be scared to talk about it, but if it meant someone else got to stay with their family, I think I’d be okay with it.”

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🗨️ “What do you think your superpower would be if you were a Donate Buddy?”

🪄 Example answer:

“I’d be a magical heart that makes people feel brave — like Harriet the Heart!”

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These chats don’t have to be heavy or sad. They can be honest, kind, and even inspiring. Many families say it's one of the most meaningful talks they've ever had.

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👣 What Can You Do Right Now?

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Even if you're under 16, you can still be part of the donation conversation:

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✅ Learn the facts

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🧠 You don’t have to be an adult to be a hero.

Even kids can save lives through organ and tissue donation if their family agrees. That’s why talking about it matters — no matter your age.

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🫀 One organ donor can save up to 7 lives.

That includes hearts, lungs, kidneys, and more — each one is a superpower gift that helps someone live.

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🧒 Kids can be donors too.

If something happens and you're under 16, your parents or guardians make the decision — so it helps if they know what you’d want.

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👪 Talking about donation helps your family.

When families know each other's wishes, they can feel more confident and supported if they ever need to make a decision.

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🌱 Organ donation is about giving life.

It turns sadness into hope, and helps families heal by knowing their loved one helped someone else.

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🗣️ The most important thing you can do?

Start the conversation. Ask questions. Be curious. You’re never too young to care.

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✅ Share what you’d want with your family.

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✅ Be someone who inspires kindness, bravery, and hope

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📚 For Parents & Teachers

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This post is part of our “Wonder Wednesday” series — helping families understand organ and tissue donation in a safe, age-appropriate way.

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Download free printable resources, classroom tools, and age-level guides at: 👉 Parents, Educators, Kids

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Or read more real stories on our Hero Wall 💚

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🧡 Remember: You don’t have to be a grown-up to make a difference. Even one conversation can change the world.

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🫁💖 From Larry the Liver — stay kind, stay curious, and keep breathing like heroes.