When is old enough to know better?

Answer 1

It all depends upon the subject matter. Once a child is old enough to understand that what there parents have told them not to do is correct then they are "old enough to know better".

For instance, a 3 year old might understand the words a parent uses when the parent tells them not to stick a metal object into a wall socket, but they probably are not old enough to know better. It's not until a person can gain some practical insight into why a particular course of action is wrong or harmful that they can be said to be old enough to know better.

Answer 2

I agree with Martin S:
"It all depends upon the subject matter. Once a child is old enough to understand that what there parents have told them not to do is correct then they are "old enough to know better".
For instance, a 3 year old might understand the words a parent uses when the parent tells them not to stick a metal object into a wall socket, but they probably are not old enough to know better. It's not until a person can gain some practical insight into why a particular course of action is wrong or harmful that they can be said to be old enough to know better. "

But in addition to his answer old enought to know better also comes with the ability to think ahead and consider the consequennces of your actions and taking responsibility for those actions. So when you are "...Old enough to know better..." you are old enough to think/ ponder the affects of your actions/words on yourself, your future, and people around you. However just because a person is "old enough to know better" doesnt necessarially guarentee responsible decisions. B/c if as a person reaches the age that is "old enought to know better" made decisions in accordance we wouldnt have people in prison for making those decisions.

Adults and parents use this phrase to instill guilt and a sense of responsibility to younger persons in our culture in hopes that they will also learn to consider the affects of their actions.

Answer 3

21

Answer 4

Usually between 50 and 60 years old.

Answer 5

as long as there r other people who r older than u, then u're still not old enough to know better.. but anyway, u can say the phrase to people who r younger than u & the circle of life goes on !!

Answer 6

The younger someone is, the more she/ he knows!
By time, people are accepting the "social" reality and thus loose real knowledge!
Of course, the society does not accept that, since the rules are made by the elder, who have managed to collect power and posts!

Answer 7

Know what better? Most children know better when they are told not to do something at least twice. I dont have a definite age for you. I would have to know the problem.

Answer 8

When you are old enough to ask: "When is old enough to know better?".....you are old enough to know better.

Answer 9

Never. There are some things (they change with age) that one will never know better than to do.

Answer 10

Depends on the situation for one to be subjective/objective