" We don't let kids consent to certain activities, no matter how ready they are."
You better define who "we" is!
We the people through our duly elected representatives.
Look, I'm not disputing that some 14 year-olds are qualified to work in construction. Does that mean the laws should be changed so that all 14 year-olds can work?
How about other age of consent laws, such as my strip-club example?