I didn't and wouldn't say it does! But the difference shows that almost every state in the planet recognizes that teenagers are not "children". It's insulting to them at best, detrimental at worst.

A radio host was bemoaning the fact that her 17-yo daughter made a fire in the fireplace while home alone. Host was pretty upset.

Caller: "Did she do it properly?"

Host: "Yes, perfectly! We taught her to make a safe fire. But she's a child! She has no business starting a fire without adults at home!"

I wanted to scream! In less than a year she can join the military, sign contracts, tell mom to fuck herself, go it alone, do everything but buy beer. And this is how you prepare her for adulthood?!

Sorry, the whole "child until 18" thing gets me bent. We're trying to train these people to be adults, yet at the same time we tell them they have no agency until they're 18, merely "children"? It's fucking insulting and harmful.