How long do parents' rights regarding their child's education records last under FERPA?

Under FERPA, parents' rights regarding their child's education records last until the child turns 18 or attends a postsecondary institution. This means that once a student reaches the age of 18, or enrolls in a college or university, the rights to access and control educational records transfer from the parents to the student. This transfer of rights recognizes the student's autonomy as they become responsible for their own educational records.

The rationale behind this provision is to empower students as they transition into adulthood, allowing them to manage their own educational information. This shift in rights is an important aspect of FERPA because it reflects the belief that young adults should have control over their personal information and the records that pertain to their education.