Why aren't American kids given responsiility for themselves?

Question

In the U.S the legal age to drink in most states is 21, smoking is 21, to gamble is 21 to have sex is 18 and compulsery education until 18. In most other devolped countries all of these responsibilities are given at 16

Answer 1

There are still a LOT of people in the States who think that anything pleasurable (that doesn't involve God) is sinful, and therefore should be kept away from children.

This is because between the ages of 16 and 21, in most countries, is when people are most likely to go off the rails and have a little bit too much fun.

Therefore, if they are kept away from the fun (sin) at these ages then they will grow up to be (self-)righteous, clean-living, religious, and law-abding.

The fact that it doesn't work hasn't changed a thing.

Answer 2

.. yet you let kids drive cars... Isn't it so? 16 year old kids can drive cars that has the potential of killing other persons, but they are not responsible enough to make their own decisions about sex.

In Sweden drinking at a restaurant is 18, buying your own alcohol is 20, smoking (and using tobacco) 18, gambling 18, to have sex 15, and school is mandatory until you are 15-16. We have less problems than the U.S with our youths. Oh, and our kids get their drivers license at 18.

Answer 3

Because the American youths are rarely mature enough at 25, let alone 18 or 21. American kids are mostly lazy, fat and useless with no drive in life. I have employed way too many young Americans to find that they are undepenable...and YES, I am an American...born and raised. This is what is wrong with the US!

Answer 4

In the UK, you can drink at 18, smoke at 16, gamble at 16 in the lottery but I think Cassinos are 18, drive at 17 and vote at 18. But it still doesn't stop kids from doing these things.

Answer 5

Our young people have proven time and time again that they can't handle responsibility. I know there are exceptions, but as a group, our young people are immature, misguided, disrespectful of others, spoiled beyond compare, and grow up with little or no parental guidance. If you've ever traveled outside the U.S. you know that young people here are years behind their counterparts, even in the third world countries I've visited. I didn't need to anger that whole generation, I'm a school teacher, I got enough of you mad at me already, but the truth must be told. But if it's any consolation, it's your parents fault! I don't care if I anger them, because parents, if you get mad at this, I don't care!!! Get control of your kids!!! YOU'RE NOT THEIR FRIEND, YOU'RE THEIR PARENT, SO START ACTING LIKE IT!!!

Answer 6

I agree that throughout actual actuality not taught in colleges. yet, i don't think of all of us ought to be exempt from gaining wisdom of American background. ALL toddlers, in spite of race, ought to be taught the actuality of u.s.'s background, not the sugar coated, "whites are saints" version. in my view, i'm in contact with my newborn's educations. I stay attentive to what they are gaining wisdom of, and while they are taught some element incorrect (ex. the glorification of Christopher Columbus) I clarify the actuality to them. I additionally save up a correspondence with my newborn's instructors in regard to their curriculum. If i discover they are coaching something this is inaccurate, I haven't any situation confronting them and informing them of the actuality. I additionally attend college board conferences that manage curriculum. Granted, my childrens are nevertheless youthful, yet i will proceed to stay in contact of their educations and video reveal what they be taught for the period of their extreme college years.

Answer 7

The USA is Puritanical. It is backward in other ways, too. We do not trust our kids because we know that we ourselves cannot be trusted. We teach our children to walk on red lights, that their teachers do not have to be listened to, to break the speed limits, that TV and beer are the most important bills to pay each month, that "please" and "thank you" are silly and old-fashioned. And then we complain about the lack of quality in our lives. ;-)

Answer 8

american kids are spoiled in a way, and aren't as prepared for the real world as others are. personally, i cant cook, and im almost 16. toast is my specialty.
:)

Answer 9

so what, other countries can do as they please
stastically studies have shown that these ages are more mature and able to make better judgements based on experiance

Answer 10

It's cultural based