Are kids here in America inordinately more protected than respected? (Will accept answers in perpetuity)?

Question

Are kids here in America inordinately more protected than respected? (Will accept answers in perpetuity)?

Answer 1

Perhaps.  But until a child/kid is capable to thinking as an adult isn't that how things should be?

Answer 2

They definitely are. You aren't taken seriously until you are about 25. There are so many laws trying to control kids and teenagers that its almost ridiculous. It is illegal for a kid to ride a bike without a helmet! It is illegal for a kid to do a lot of things that make no sense! They are not necessarily more protected, rather limited. But then, why should they be respected? They usually live off their parents' income, they live at their parents' house, etc. But that is a result of children being so overly protected.

Answer 3

Yes.  And, rightfully so.

While kids may complain, and 18 year olds can go to war and kill and be killed, sound judgment really doesn't start to set in until the early 20s.  Yes, even if you're a college student.  And, of course, the reaction at that age to this will be an angry one, but I promise, when the reader is 30 he/she will look back and say, "I didn't know $#*t when I was 25".

Kids today have access to so much via the internet, etc., that they feel as if they're grown up, but they're not.