Should the Age of Adulthood Be Raised?

By Jon Gargis

For British psychologists, 25 is the new 18.

BBC News reports that child psychologists are being directed to work with a larger age range—instead of focusing merely on newborns to those 18 years of age, they’ll now have to focus on individuals as old as 25.

The guidance is aimed at ensuring that young people who turn 18 do not fail to get needed services from health and education systems. Researchers also say the change is needed because brain development and hormonal activity continues into the early 20s.

"The idea that suddenly at 18 you're an adult just doesn't quite ring true," child psychologist Laverne Antrobus told the news outlet.

At what age do you believe someone becomes an adult? Should American health and education providers continue to work with individuals past the age of 18? Where should they set the cutoff? Tell us in the comments.