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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

do you think 17 year olds ar adults

31 replies

leah8001996 · 20/07/2013 17:13

do you class 17 year olds as adult. I do as a 17 year old can do many adult things and has also finished puberty.

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 20/07/2013 17:15

Mmm. depends on the 17 year old TBH. Age is just a number unfortunately.

OldLadyKnowsNothing · 20/07/2013 17:15

No, 18 is adult.

Arisbottle · 20/07/2013 17:16

No

Sparklingbrook · 20/07/2013 17:16

In age OldLady. Even some 18 year olds are very immature attitude wise.

RoooneyMara · 20/07/2013 17:19

I think it's a case of the line has to be drawn somewhere and if you think about some of the boys you know, Leah, would you really want to lower it? Smile

TeenAndTween · 20/07/2013 17:20

I don't think the brain has fully finished developing at 17.
17 year olds are not generally known for their great maturity of judgement, and experience of life.

I don't think you are properly 'grown up' until about 25.

Legally you are not an adult until 18. In some countries you aren't considered old enough to drink until age 21.

From your other post I see you are only 16. 16 year olds may think themselves grown up. When they get to 30 they see they weren't.

Sparklingbrook · 20/07/2013 17:22

Some of DS1's friends look as if they have finished puberty at 14, but only in looks. Grin

Inncogneetow · 20/07/2013 17:24

Many 16 yr olds think they are adults; but they (not all, but most) have no idea about budgeting and finance and being financially independent from their parents.

This is a crucial part of being an adult, imo.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 20/07/2013 17:28

No.

MrsGSR · 20/07/2013 17:40

Legally no, 18 is an adult.

I know some people who are in their mid 20s and are still very immature, equally my younger sister is 18 and more mature than a lot of people my age. But in general 17 year olds are not adults.

LooplaLoopy · 20/07/2013 17:42

No. I struggle to see 20 year olds as adults too, to be honest.

Ra88 · 20/07/2013 17:45

no

mrscumberbatch · 20/07/2013 17:57

No. I thought I was an adult at 17 but really really wasn't.

I think if you have to ask if 17 is an adult, then you are probably not an adult.

Theas18 · 20/07/2013 17:57

what is the agenda here op?

Sparklingbrook · 20/07/2013 17:59

Mmm there are 2 threads about 17 year olds now leah. What's with all the questions?

Sparklingbrook · 20/07/2013 18:00

Sorry 3. Just spotted another.....

OldLadyKnowsNothing · 20/07/2013 18:00

Sparklingbrook, you are so right. Sadly, the line has been drawn by law, and it's 18. Not 16, like Leah, or even 17.

Sparklingbrook · 20/07/2013 18:01

there should be a test I think OldLady. With an 'adult' certificate if they pass. Grin

BreadNameBread · 20/07/2013 18:13

Leah, I guess from the 1996 in your name that you are 16/17.

What's with the questions. TBH it makes you sound a bit childish. Confused

Madratlady · 20/07/2013 18:18

From your posts you sound quite immature to be honest.

Turniptwirl · 20/07/2013 20:06

I think the difference between childhood and adulthood is that children (teenagers) think they're are grown up and know everything but adults feel young and accept there is loads they don't know.

secondchances · 20/07/2013 22:06

No. Legally 18 is an adult. Legally you shouldn't be doing things an adult can before the age of an adult.

Kerryblue · 20/07/2013 23:07

yawn.........

BOF · 20/07/2013 23:12

I distinctly remember at 14 arguing that I should be allowed to go youth hosteling with my bes friend because we weren't "going to get more mature than we already are" Grin.

Frankly, I've matured immeasurably between even my early thirties and now (approaching 40).

I have a 17 year old daughter, and I give her lots of independence and freedom, as she is learning how to deal with it. I still don't see her as an adult though.

BrawToken · 20/07/2013 23:17

If a 17 year old behaves like an adult, taking responsibility for their own washing, cooking, spending, bills, earning then yes. Otherwise they are treated how they act... My 15 year old is quite adult.