Or maybe it is because you have hit the maturity level deemed appropriate. But what about kids who go to college when they are 15? Or what about 30 year olds who still live with their parents?
The problem is it is an arbitrary number, based on current society. In the past, getting married at 12-15 was perfectly normal. Now it isn't.
It is the same argument as minimum wage. Start off asking if $20 should be min wage. The person will say, “Well, that is too high.” Then, ask what about $7. They will say, “Yes.” Then, go up by increments of $1, saying “well, if x is good, why not x +1, it's only 1 dollar.” Using that logic, you will get most people to agree on $20 at the end, even though they originally disagreed.
It is all based on arbitrary numbers
I agree. And I don’t have an answer about what age is really best. Studies have shown that risk taking behavior declines significantly around age 26, but I don’t think we would ever get anyone to agree on that as an appropriate age.
If the age is lowered to 18, the states need to get really serious about enforcing drinking and driving laws. Of course, it would help if our 18 year olds were not treated as children in many other ways (how many have full time jobs and actually support themselves?)
susie