do you think 18-year-olds are taken less seriously than other adults?

Question

if so, why? i believe 18 year olds should be treated with the same respect as every other adult. i am very child-like, but i'm also mature enough to decide for myself what is right and what is wrong. i just hope you guys dont judge me for only being 18.

Answer 1

It depends on maturity level not age as far as I can see. I've read your questions and answers before and you seem older than 18. I applaud you

Answer 2

Yes, I think so, but there are occasions when it's unnecessary. The problem is that 18 year olds haven't enough experience to make the kinds of judgment that someone 10-20 years older have; still, you're right about basic respect. However, when an 18 Y.O. says or does something that a 30 or 40 Y.O. knows is irrational, it's hard to have respect for the 18 Y.O. So I always advise those younger than myself to have patience, learn more before making a judgment or action, and to think first. That way, people, no matter what their age or circumstances, will at least try to understand the situation before they say or do something they might regret later.

Answer 3

Probably yes. They haven't had time to really experience being an adult. With age comes experience. An older adult will be more seriously than an 18 year old because they are more experienced adults who in most cases will be mature as well. You'll be taken more seriously as you get older and by making good decisions. You can't really judge someone by only looking at their age.

Answer 4

I know how you feel because I felt that way when I was 18, but the reason you still get treated somewhat like a child is the fact that you haven't had all that much experience as an adult yet. Don't get me wrong, you still might be as smart as I was at that age ;-) but other adults just can't really help themselves when they've been through so much and you haven't (in their opinion). Yes, 18-year-olds do deserve some respect, as long as you give it.

Answer 5

The answer is yes they do. Regardless of what people may say age discrimination does occur. You are legally considered an adult at 18, responsible for your own decisions, you can vote, enlist in the military. The oxymoron in all of this is we have the legal right to be responsible for ourselves when we turn 18, vote for the people running this country, fight for a country, and yet you still can't legally have a beer/alcohol until you are 21.

With that being said however, don't equate age to maturity. I'm sure there are plenty examples of someone who is younger than another person and yet so much more mature, I see it on a day to day basis. Your age doesn't wholly define you, but rather is a small piece of the huge puzzle titled "you." Don't let this define you, instead let you define it. Although with age comes experience realize that everyone experiences life differently and have different roadblocks and different solutions. Take in advice from the older folk, likely they have experience a similar situation, however "There's more than one way to skin a cat"

Answer 6

As soon as you try to claim you're an adult while only 18 people disrespect you and treat you like a teenager.
I'm 20 and finally got out of the teen treatment.

I know adult is 18 but until you hit the big 2-0 no one considers you an adult...sad but true....

Even at 20 no one takes you seriously until you're 25. married, done college, have a set and going well career and possible a child.

Answer 7

I jugde only by actions not words and if a person cares for others in selfless ways. I agree that 18 year year olds should be taken more seriously-after all,they're old enough to go to war and I find that extremely serious. If you act really child like it may make it a lot harder for others to think of you as an adult. It's hard to take someone serious if they are acting much younger then they are.As I say to my 18 yr.old (soon to be 19) 18 is not a magical number-you need to act like you deserve to be taken serious. It's a 2 way street out there!!!! Good Luck though (you'll get there when YOU'RE ready).

Answer 8

No, 18 year olds are not adults. Not to judge you but I know a 18 years old that ran away from home because they didn't want to live by their parents rules and now she has dropped out of college and became preganant. She did not gain any respect nor make any adult decision that will convice her family that she resonable. Not that this is you but some 18 years olds don't know what is best and don't make reasonable decision that will pave the way for their future.

Answer 9

Yes, you are. I remember that being frustrating when I was 18. But, you are still a teenager. I'd say it takes until about 23-24 before people actually see you as an adult. You can't drink until you are 21, and you don't get cheaper auto insurance until you are 25. Look at it this way, with the life span increasing, you'll have plenty of time to be an adult. Enjoy your youth, you'll miss it when it's gone, and that will be sooner than you know.

Answer 10

Yes...Do you think you actually automatically become an adult when you turn 18? In a physical sense, you are fully qualified to act as an adult. But in the mental dept...you just dont have the experience quite yet. Not to say that there arent "adults" out there who still act like kids. Some are even at emotional levels of children. It all comes with time, but its never a surprise when young adults do stupid stuff. Its expected.

Answer 11

Oh I absolutely agree with you...if 18 year olds are considered adults then why can we not have a drink if we would like to, or take our little sisters to an R-rated movie, or gamble? It's just ridiculous to give people the title of adult and definitely persecute 18 year olds as adults is they screw up but not allow them the same rights as other aged "adults". And as a response to what other people are saying, not all 18 yr olds say they know it all but to have the same rights as all adults would be nice.