Are parents allowed to access the educational records of their child once they turn 18?

Parents do not automatically retain access to their child's educational records once the student turns 18. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), students gain control over their educational records at age 18 or when they enter a postsecondary institution, whichever comes first. This means that parents will need to obtain consent from their child in order to access those records. The focus of FERPA is on student privacy and the rights allocated to students as they transition into adulthood, reflecting an understanding that students have the authority to manage their own educational information. Therefore, without the student's explicit consent, parents are not able to access educational records, making this the correct answer.