14 is the new 18?
Posted by: Livvyd
29th Mar 2015 12:23pm
Do you beleive that in our society today kids are growing up way to fast than they once used to? Is 14 the new 18 in our society?
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Comments 14
super88
Kids at 14 years old have mastered some gadgets that are necessities today, but didn't exist when I was their age. In this regard they are smarter than I was, and smarter than I am now.
There is still a lot of difference in the way Kids are brought up that hasn't changed. Confidence and basic skills like manners are learned from parents and society and in this regard there is possibly a greater percentage of Kids who's education is lacking at 14 years old.
Our expectations change with time.
Hazie
14 isn't really the new 18. It's just that 14 is redefined. I get that they're young and want to try some 'independence' by wanting to do what they want. It depends on the family, the peers and the environment. And it depends what you mean by 'growing up'. Because, as I see it, kids are growing up faster, but pre-teens are maturing more slowly. There is nothing wrong if a child grows up - just as long as they have a childhood. But the early teens these days aren't as grown up as they should be, not maturing as much. Blame technology? I don't know. But then again, like I said, it depends on the environment. I know a fair few kids, and they range quite a fair bit. You get the eternally and wrongly immature ones who you wish could grow up a bit. You have a few troublemakers, but mostly because they're with friends. You get the mature-when-need-be kids who are children but can take minor responsibilities and can be mature. Then I know a few who lost their childhood at an early age and had to grow up fast...
So really, it is hard to say.
Freedomy
Kids have always been in a hurry to be older and then there comes a time where we start to lie about our age. Unfortunately I think kids are growing up way too fast now than what they were 20 years ago. Kids are a lot more out there than before, and I don't say this in a good way. It appears that the fake confidence instilled is nothing more than bravado. The pressure these kids have placed on them today is unbelievable.
I get concerned when I see a young 14 year olds behaving in manners that are so outside of their lived experience. The question is what can be done about it.
angry mum
At 14, kids these days think they know it all. Yes thanks to all our different technologies around, it is really hard to keep your child just that, a child.
AI
yes, it's true but also there mental is stay younger than used to be. For example, early 20's feeling as if they are still teenager and behave like this.
Gerry1945
Unfortunately that age most have very low esteem and responsibility they do not think and mostly learn but making mistakes such as the 12 year old ICE addicts they all know they will get addicted and die but they still do it. Mature people think before they act.
chickenman
kids of today are becoming more knowledgeable at an earlier age, but modern societies are mistaking knowledge for maturity.
true Adulthood comes with maturity, not knowledge, and in affluent societies kids are allowed to grow without attaining any degree of maturity. legal age should be taken back to 21.
realtako
kids always think their more knowledgeable than their parents,and always push the boundaries.nothing has changed
MummaBee
I am actually quite disgusted with the way 13 and 14 year olds are acting and dressing these days. Yes, i ran a bit wild as a teenager but i was never as bad as they are now. They are getting pregnant and drunk and arrested and doing drugs! It is not ok and i think somewhere, society is failing.
angry mum
I am a bit old fashioned and though not everyone will agree, I do believe children benefit from stay at home mums.
dollymay
I agree fully, the way young girls dress, I think it is discussing, make up, high heels tight sexy clothes at 12 or even younger, something has gone wrong
Sally
I ask my self the same questions and parents are at work and trust the kids never think they are lie to them. This days money is everything for a lot people who do not care for kids as much as our parent cared for us
angry mum
Every time I go down to the local shops, there are crowds and crowds of very young teenagers hanging around outside in groups. Where are the parents. I am talking 12 and 13 year olds smoking and carrying on like they know everything and want everybody else to know they know it all. I have two boys aged 11 and 13 and there is no way in the world I would let them hang out outside shopping malls. My boys still know who the parent is and why.
Jewelztrinity
I think that it depends on the child. I have a 17 year old who is very mature, and could easily leave home and manage on her own, then I have a 15 year old who is very immature and can not do a damn thing for himself. He will still be living with me when he is 40!