When does adulthood begin?
It’s a hotly contested discussion that’s being tossed around from coast to coast. But from state to state, the answer is often confusing and inconsistent.
In most states, the age of consent (when it is legal to have a sexual relationship) is 18. But in some others it’s as young as 15 or 16. In most states a teen can drive a car at 16, but can’t vote until 18. Or a teen can join the military or get married at 18, but can’t legally have a drink.
Exactly how is it possible that the U.S. military can put a high powered rifle or the controls of a high tech fighter jet in the hands of an 18 year old, but can’t allow that same 18 year old to have a beer while on leave?
The rules on driving, voting, marrying and drinking vary so much from state to state, many teens are crossing state lines just to be able to comply. This can’t be right.
Is it time to rethink the age of adulthood? Do the age requirements for certain rights need to be lowered or raised? Shouldn’t the rules at least be consistent?
Just start everything at 18 across the country. Good point about military teens getting a gun but can't get a drink.