Same as smoking and the draft
What’s the mystery?
Adulthood
18
The day I turned 18 (50+ years ago), my stepfather told me I could have a beer anytime I was in the house. He was from the Great Depression/WWII generation, you were an adult when you reached the age of 18.
My wife disagrees with that, and my two sons haven't earned that right as I did. I earned it by getting good grades, working, and staying out of trouble. They stayed out of trouble, but their work ethic was on par with today's generation.
I went to work full time when I was 15, had to lie about my age to get it. I even had two jobs at the same time back then, one full time in the day and a part time job at night. I bought my first car before I was even eligible age wise for a driver’s license. A ‘56 Chevy Nomad by the way (Sweet!). I grew up fast, but you had to in my house. It was sink or swim.
I definitely would have been responsible enough to have my own phone if they would have been available. Kids today? I don’t know about.