I was that age 30 years ago. When I look back at some of the really dumb stuff I did at that age, I should have been dead a few dozen times over. By the grace of God, I'm still here, and I would like to think that I've learned from my mistakes.
I think a lot of us can relate (though most won't admit it!) My kids are this age and are responsible people. But I'd hate to think a slip in their judgement would mark them as a complete idiot. Good kids can make bad mistakes. It's sad, nothing funny about it.