Just to throw another iron into this little campfire: we should remember that the definitions of "adult" and "child" have changed a bit over the years. 2,000 years ago a 12-year old was a "man", and a 15-year old Alexander the Great set off to conquer the known world.
It wasn't until the late 1800's that we started regarding teens as 'extended children', second-class citizens, who needed extra consideration and sheltering from the outside world. Child-Labour laws were enacted, and mandatory education to age 16 or so (depending on the country), and virtual immunity from prosecution for crimes committed, or significantly lighter punishments.
If we're going to hell in a handbasket, and it's because of the misbehavior and disrespect of the "children", is it time to revisit how long we keep 10-18 year olds 'children'?
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