When you’re 16 or 18, the world is your oyster…or so they say. But there are some things about these ages that are just plain strange. Here are 16 weird facts about being 16 and 18:
1. You’re Not Legally an Adult
In most countries, you’re not legally an adult until you’re 18. This means that you can’t vote, drive a car, or sign a contract without your parents’ permission. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, in some states, you can get a driver’s license at 16.
2. Your Brain Isn’t Fully Developed
Your brain doesn’t fully develop until you’re about 25 years old. This means that you may not always make the best decisions and you may be more impulsive than older adults. But don’t worry, this is normal! Your brain is still learning and developing, and you’ll get better at making decisions as you get older.
3. You’re More Likely to Take Risks
Teenagers are more likely to take risks than adults. This is because their brains are still developing and they may not be fully aware of the consequences of their actions. For example, teenagers are more likely to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, and speed while driving.
4. You’re More Likely to Experience Mental Health Problems
Teenagers are also more likely to experience mental health problems than adults. This is because they are going through a lot of changes, both physically and emotionally. For example, they may experience anxiety, depression, or eating disorders.
5. You’re More Likely to Be a Victim of Crime
Teenagers are also more likely to be victims of crime than adults. This is because they are more likely to be in situations where they could be targeted, such as walking alone at night or hanging out in dangerous areas.
6. You’re More Likely to Die
Teenagers are more likely to die than adults. This is because they are more likely to take risks, experience mental health problems, and be victims of crime. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading causes of death for teenagers are accidents, homicide, and suicide.
7. You’re More Likely to Be in Poverty
Teenagers are also more likely to be in poverty than adults. This is because they are less likely to have a job and they may not have the skills or education necessary to get a good job. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, 16.2% of teenagers live in poverty.
8. You’re More Likely to Be Homeless
Teenagers are also more likely to be homeless than adults. This is because they may run away from home or be kicked out of their home. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, there are an estimated 1.6 million homeless teenagers in the United States.
9. You’re More Likely to Be in the Juvenile Justice System
Teenagers are also more likely to be in the juvenile justice system than adults. This is because they are more likely to commit crimes and they may not have the support they need to stay out of trouble. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, there are an estimated 1.2 million teenagers in the juvenile justice system.
10. You’re More Likely to Have a Baby
Teenagers are also more likely to have a baby than adults. This is because they are more likely to have unprotected sex and they may not have access to birth control. According to the CDC, there are an estimated 750,000 teenage pregnancies each year in the United States.
11. You’re More Likely to Experience Sexual Assault
Teenagers are also more likely to experience sexual assault than adults. This is because they may be more vulnerable to being targeted and they may not know how to protect themselves. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in four girls and one in six boys will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18.
12. You’re More Likely to Be Bullied
Teenagers are also more likely to be bullied than adults. This is because they may be seen as being different or they may not have the social skills necessary to deal with bullies. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, one in five teens reports being bullied at school.
13. You’re More Likely to Be Depressed
Teenagers are also more likely to be depressed than adults. This is because they are going through a lot of changes, both physically and emotionally. For example, they may experience anxiety, stress, and peer pressure. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in three teens will experience depression before the age of 18.
14. You’re More Likely to Have an Eating Disorder
Teenagers are also more likely to have an eating disorder than adults. This is because they may be trying to cope with stress, anxiety, or body image issues. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, one in five teens will experience an eating disorder before the age of 18.
15. You’re More Likely to Have Suicidal Thoughts
Teenagers are also more likely to have suicidal thoughts than adults. This is because they may be going through a lot of stress, anxiety, or depression. According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death for teens in the United States.
16. You’re More Likely to Be Stressed
Teenagers are also more likely to be stressed than adults. This is because they are going through a lot of changes, both physically and emotionally. For example, they may experience anxiety, stress, and peer pressure. According to the American Psychological Association, one in three teens reports feeling overwhelmed by stress.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the weird things about being 16 and 18. It’s not always easy being a teenager, but it’s also a time of great change and growth. Embrace the weirdness and enjoy the ride!