At what point in American history did society decide that 18 was the age when someone becomes an "adult"?
357984
It has to do with what we now know about the brain and its' development.  Younger than 18 all the parts that you need to cope and use for your self control aren't done until them.  While the brain doesn't finish 'growing' until around 20 -21 by 18 most of what you need to function in an adult world is there.
810417
The other day I read an obituary for a man that had inlisted in the navy at the age of12. This man served on three destroyers during ww 2. All of which were sunk, and the last time, he spent three days in the ocean waiting to be rescued. By the time he turned18, he had served his country for 6 years. Now let me ask you two questions.First, did he become an adult when he turned 18?, and second, do you think he was the kind of person that whined over having to pay adult prices? To answer your question,we are adults when we are ready to be adults, some at twelve, and for some, never. Your choice.
1076128
Between the ages of 18-21 usually.
889302
Yes, there are differing levels of "adulthood."  Generally 18 is the standard (consent to contract, purchase of some "adult" products, etc.) Some states mandate age 21 before the individuals can have access to adult movies.  Most states rate the age of consent for sexual activity somewhere between 16 and 18.  Most states universally charge defendants as "adults" at 18, with prosecutorial discretion to divert some juvenile offenders to adult court based on particular facts and circumstances.\n\n"Adult" is just a term, and it is often defined in many different ways in different contexts.
145086
Usually between 18 and 20.
119511
You are considered an adult by law at the age of 18.  However, even the government knows that 18 year olds aren't very responsible since that legal drinking age is 21.\nI believe you are considered an adult when you start acting like it.  When you can support yourself on your own, behave responsibly, and own up to your own mistakes.
811476
18 is fine, you are legally an adult then.
432076
It is said that ones DNA peaks at the age of 33.  (The same age Jesus was when He was crucified.)  Maybe this is the "true" age of adulthood?  The age of "reasoning" as a adult may come earlier, but I think it's also how one was raised and the experiences that someone may go through that may bring them to adulthood at different ages, but I think by the time one reaches the age of 21, they should have enough experiences under their belt to be able to "step" into adulthood.  I think one knows that they are an "adult" when they are able to take care of their selves and their family.  To be able to live independent of your parents, keep a job, make your own decisions, and pay your own bills;..then there's taxes and insurance...lol  (No wonder many today move back with their parents)  My advice to someone younger today;...Take your time; Don't rush life; Get a good education so you can get a better job that will carry you.  Save and have some you can fall back on; And when you do move out and go back home to visit,  don't take your laundry,,,and maybe every once in awhile instead of chowing down on moms food, take your parents out to eat....And always tell them that you love them.
48736
Missouri statute defines an adult as a person 17 years of age or older. So there, you can move out of your parents' house now.
168094
You have to be 18 years old to be a legal adult in any state. is that your question?
155519
I read a portion of the transcript where the judge gives his justifications for sentencing this person as a juvenile rather than an adult.  I cannot reconcile the judge's reasoning with his statements of the law.  I see no reason why this kids shouldn't have been sentenced as an adult.  Instead of life in jail, he will be out by the time he is 21.
178594
No, 18 year olds don't realize the finality of some of their decisions.  Plus they are still to "attached" to their parents to make such a big decision. As people get older and have lives of their own, they are better able to reach a rational decision.
649679
This is a confusing issue. Until the age of 21 you cannot drink but at the age of 18 you are "legally" old enough to make your own decisions, enter into legal contracts, join the military, buy a home, a car etc. So I would have to say based on the above reasons at 18 you are "legally" an adult.
349577
18 is the age where you become responsible for your debts, and should read agreements before signing or agreeing to accept credit in any form.  Ignorance is no excuse, as far as the law and credit bureaus go.
506010
I really do not see the harm for either sex provided that both are in close age proximaty. If an 18 year old and a 16 year old want to screw I see no groups for statuatory rape at all. Why is it that 18 is the magic number for most things, and 21 is the magic number for other (drinking), and a judge can determine to prosecute someone as an adult at nearly any age ? I think that the drinking age needs to come down to 18, and if we are going to define 18 as an adult, then 18 is an adult WITH NO EXCEPTIONS.
294712
There is the legal age for marriage with in the state, but that's not what people really mean. They are talking about the maturity of those who may want to get married, if you are still in high school, younger than 21yrs, no money, no job, not responsible, a liar, a thief, wanting to run the streets or any thing like that you may be considered too young to get married.
114740
It's 16 or 18 depending on circumstances. For more info, see my source.