preview

What Are Children Considered Adults

Decent Essays

The topic of when children and teenagers should be considered adults is very controversial, and has always been. However, the answer seems to be clear when you look at how the human body develops and the changes it goes through; one is an adult once the body, especially the brain, is finished going through the major developments of puberty and early years. Some may say that people could be considered adults when they’re just 16 years old, or sometimes younger than that. However, during that time, a child will likely still be going through puberty, which causes the entire body to change and grow. Sexual organs will develop, the child will grow larger, and hormones like testosterone will be released into the body. There is an area in the brain …show more content…

Due to how teenagers do not have a fully developed frontal lobe, they may have issues with figuring out the intentions of others or what others are feeling. This was shown in a study at the McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. 18 children between the ages of 10 and 18 were gathered, along with 16 adults. The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging, otherwise known as fMRI, as they showed the groups pictures of adult faces making various expressions. When asked to identify the emotion being expressed, the adults correctly labeled one as “fear.” However, the children mistook the same photograph as showing “shock,” “surprise,” or “anger.” In an article explaining the experiment, called “One Reason Teens Respond Differently to the World: Immature Brain Circuitry,” it is said that, “the teens and adults used different parts of their brains to process what they were feeling. The teens mostly used the amygdala, a small almond shaped region that guides instinctual or "gut" reactions, while the adults relied on the frontal cortex, which governs reason and planning.” The teens were being impulsive with their answer. This explains why a teen may mistake a caring parent or guardian as someone wanting to take control, or someone curious about a topic as someone being angry about it. Communication is key in the modern world, and without the ability to tell the difference …show more content…

The brain is a fascinating and intricate organ; however, it is fragile. Putting someone who is still developing under too much pressure can cause mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety. Put enough stress and pressure on one, and they can develop suicidal thoughts or actions. Society needs to slow down for a moment. Give people time. Parents should not rush their own, dear children to get a job or home until the child is biologically ready to handle that amount of stress. Teachers should not bury students in school work, stating that having four projects, five essays, and two tests due in the same week is “preparing them for adulthood,” when the child should be eased into adulthood at their own pace, not have the workload that a thirty year old could handle at the age of just fifteen. Slow down. Let a child develop and mature at their own body’s

Get Access