Is the teenage rebellion phase getting later?

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DS1 is almost 18. He was quite challenging as an 8/9yo but as a teen, apart from a short grunty phase, has been a joy I've also seen a number of articles about how today's teens are so much better behaved than previous generations.

I'm starting to feel like we're getting to a my job is done stage. However, recent experiences of my friends and a few threads I've seen here suggest that we're not out of the woods yet and that the going off the rails phase is happening in the early 20s?

That really depends on what going off the rails really means. If it’s spreading their wings at university and drinking and trying drugs - it happens. It doesn’t mean they will be alcoholics and drug addicts.

I tend to think some young people are very keen to try everything and when they do, they cannot stop. They become addicted very easily. It could also be gambling, over eating, over spending and quite a few other things that are not “healthy”. Others seem to be able to try something but rein back when it’s not as good as they think. Also some young people are risk averse so don’t try anything much. Others like the thrill of doing something they know they should not. It’s an adrenaline rush of a kind. Pushing boundaries. It does not mean they will always be doing this but it’s definitely a worry for parents.

I generally think if you have tried your best, given good advice and maintained boundaries, you cannot do much more. Parents can not control 20 somethings!

My second Dd was so easy going 1st dd was more of a challange i am not particularly cool mum I was quite strict I just think it is your luck and their personality both are now in their 20s with no real drama.

This happened with a few of my friends...those of us who had more freedom from parents/had our rebellious phase earlier were pretty much ‘done’ by 19/20....those who had strict parents/stayed home for uni had their wtf phase around 23/24.

Of course some people never have a rebellious phase!

DBro was only ever a bit grunty as an early team and then that was it!

Dd 14 is quite good natured and easy going, but it's early days i guess. Dd2 it remains to be seen!

1 of them broke up with a longterm boyfriend they had been together since school they h

They went a bit wild for a few months after. Is what i meant to say

My 13 yo DD is a PITA. I always thought she'd be ok, but nope, if she does it have my undivided attention (2 younger sibs who she resents) then she's bloody awful

I used to teach boys aged 16-19 and they could be utterly VILE. I think teenage horribleness does often kick in later in boys than it does in girls.
It's one of the reasons why some people think that teen boys are easier than girls. Comparing boys and girls at 14 is not comparing like for like. The lads I had in my college classes were every bit as vindictive, spiteful and pointlessly obnoxious as any stereotypical Year 9 queen bee. Recurring themes were spreading rumours about each others' sexuality in various increasingly creative and devious ways, and saying disgusting things about each others' mothers. There was also a spate of setting up online dating accounts using other people's email addresses and petty vandalism of the older ones' cars.