Should teenagers be considered children or adults?

(This article will briefly explain the correct answer to this unanswered question.)

Are teenagers really children and how does it feel to be a teenager?

Being a teenager feels like an uproar of new and unexpected challenges in life. There are a lot of sudden, drastic changes and expectations from home, school, peers, etc. With that, being a teenager does not only come with nightmares, but it also comes with a bit more freedom than usual. Allowing you to explore more about yourself. All in all, being a teenager is confusing and challenging but with the right treatment from people we trust, the journey of being a teenager can be less challenging and not so agonizing.

The incredible part of being a teenager

The freedom we have. We’re able to focus on our own personal development and growth and we’ve got to admit that not having to worry about paying bills is actually pretty awesome.

The NOT so incredible part of being a teenager

As much as adults love to say “I’ve been there I know what you’re talking about” they don’t. The talk about mental issues with our parents always leads to “It’s because of that damn phone!”

It’s not. Maybe if YOU weren’t so arrogant you would actually know what I’m talking about 🤨. Anyways… Trying to keep up with sustaining friendships, having hobbies, school, what we want our future to look like and a whole bunch of other stuff is not that easy. Especially after being a child your whole life.

Now with all that being said, do we want to be treated like adults or children?

The disadvantages of teenagers being treated like children

Too dependent on other people

Being too dependent on others can become very problematic in life because you will constantly need reassurance from someone else when it comes to decision making. Which could not only become very tiring for you but it can also become very bothersome for the people around you.

Not able to adapt to other people’s values

The skill of adaptability is a crucial skill in our day to day lives. It is the quick and efficient response to change around you. Not having the skill to adapt to the environment around you can make it very difficult for you to navigate life as a being.

The advantages of teenagers being treated like children

Childlike freedom

The teen could feel a sense of freedom, in the sense of them feeling like they don’t have many responsibilities to take care of.

Less pressure

The teen would have responsibilities but not as harsh like being treated like an adult, which could possibly reduce stress levels or the feeling of pressure.

The disadvantages of teenagers being treated like adults

Too much pressure

Having too many responsibilities and activities can become overwhelming which can cause stress. Having to deal with work, while trying to sustain friendships and keep up with the world and activities around you is not the easiest thing.

They grow up too fast

Growing up too fast can lead to problems in one’s development. Self-harming could be one of the problems a teenager faces because of growing up too fast. Self-harm could be used as a coping mechanism to deal with all the extra challenges that they deal with as someone who has grown up too fast. Another negative impact includes the struggle of making friends with people your age as it might be very difficult to find someone who has something in common with you as an overly mature teenager.

The advantages of teenagers being treated like adults

They have a better sense of responsibility

Having a sense of responsibility means that you are willing to take accountability and are able to be trustworthy with things in life. Having a sense of responsibility is important because it allows you to build trustworthy relationships with other people. It also allows effective communication when having conversations with others.

They are more independent

Being independent means not being subjected to someone else’s authority. That being said, independence is a way to exercise your freedom by personally growing (mentally, emotionally, financially) and becoming self-sufficient.

Conclusion

In conclusion, treat us like damn teenagers. “How do we do that?” I’m glad you asked.
Allow us to experience:
By giving them the freedom to go out with friends, spending time away from home.

Give us a sense of trust:
Let us know you trust us to make the right decisions.

Give them appropriate responsibilities:
Cleaning, cooking, homework and school. Don’t overwork us as we need to rest.
Give us the space to speak and voice our opinions. Give appropriate consequences and rewards — what you give us should align with the work/thing we did.