When Does a Person Become an Adult?

The age at which a person is considered an adult varies by country and context. Here are some common benchmarks that reflect different aspects of becoming an adult.

Legal Age

In many countries, the legal age of adulthood is 18. At this age, individuals can perform various adult actions including voting, signing contracts, and being tried as adults in a court of law. These actions signify full recognition by society as an adult and, consequently, the end of parental authority and guardianship over the child.

Cultural Perspectives

However, cultural perspectives also play a significant role in determining when a person becomes an adult. Different cultures may define adulthood based on specific rites of passage that can occur at various ages. For instance, in some cultures, a bar/bat mitzvah ceremony marks an individual's transition to adulthood at the age of 13. In the United States, reaching the age of 21 is often associated with full adulthood, during which individuals gain significant rights such as the ability to purchase alcohol.

Biological Factors

From a biological standpoint, adulthood is typically associated with physical maturity. This, however, can vary depending on the individual. Generally, physical maturity is considered to occur in the late teens to early twenties. The biological age of adulthood is often likened to the age when an individual has developed their full adult height, and has reached sexual maturity.

Psychological Maturity

Some psychologists argue that emotional and psychological maturity continue to develop into the mid-twenties. This perspective sees adulthood as a multifaceted concept that encompasses various aspects of personal and social development. The psychological transition to adulthood is marked by the ability to manage emotions, complex relationships, and independent decision-making.

Key Milestones of Adulthood

When someone is considered an adult can vary depending on personal prospects and societal norms. In most jurisdictions, the age of adulthood is legally defined as 18. At this age, an individual gains a range of adult rights and privileges, including:

Voting. Signing legal contracts. Enlisting and joining the military. Filing law suits. Creating a will. Marrying without parental consent. Adopting children. Consenting to sexual activity with anyone, regardless of age. Legally owning property outright. Running for office (depending on the state). Purchasing lottery tickets (depending on the state). Buying cigarettes (depending on the state). Legally purchasing certain guns from licensed dealers, such as rifles and shotguns. Moving out of home without parental consent. Serving on jury duty. Getting tattoos without parental approval. Changing your birth name.

While most 18-year-olds may be legally considered adults, some may still be viewed as immature teenagers needing guidance due to their youth and lack of significant life experience. Others may respect their legal status and recognize them as independently capable adults. However, the law still supersedes any personal opinions or perspectives. It's important to note that although an 18-year-old is a legal adult, many may still be dependent on their parents for certain needs, such as financial support.

Some individuals may view the beginning of adulthood at 21. This age often comes with an outright recognition of all adult privileges and rights, such as the ability to:

Drink alcohol. Go to a bar or a club. Smoke cigarettes (regardless of state). Gamble. Attend a casino. Rent a car (depending on the company). Legally purchase handguns from licensed dealers.

Biologically, someone is defined as an adult around the age of 15-16, when girls are typically physically mature, while boys may still be growing. In ancient times, adulthood could have been anywhere from 13-19 years old, determined by the onset of puberty. In modern times, the prefrontal cortex and lobes of the brain, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, are not fully developed until around the age of 25. By this age, individuals are considered mentally mature adults.

Conclusion

When society considers someone an adult can significantly vary based on personal opinions and cultural norms. The legal age of 18 plus is the most universally recognized standard. It is only fair to recognize someone of this age as a young adult, as they bear the legal responsibilities of an adult. In my opinion, anyone between 0-12 is a young child, 13-17 is an older child, 18-24 is a young adult, and 25 and older is a fully grown adult.

Thank you for reading.