[Livia]

Originally Posted by Maru

I could be on board with all of that. The only one I might say isn't as practical is 21 as a driving age. It would very likely push forward most other major milestones like voting or even delay going to college (if needing to self-transport). At least it would in the US because of our dependency on vehicles. It's a huge burden on the parents to have to continue to manage large portions of their lifestyle and for some young adults, not being to "move on" early enough can lead to problems with motivating themselves. I know too many peers who didn't move out until their 30s and they developed poor coping mechanisms and still have poor mental health because they were never pushed to do anything too uncomfortable so they became stunted. I did without a license until 29 but my situation was unique. I lived in a DC suburb so there was good access to things thanks to great funding in that county. I had been independent since 19 having moved in with hub then and it was until I moved back to my home state where the cost of living wasn't so insane that I went to get a license. It was hard for us in the beginning but totally worth it to be independent.

I agree completely about smart phones. I don't think it's doing our brains any favors, much less the ones that are still developing...

You have lots of room in the US. We have so many cars and so many people on our tiny island. Where I grew up in east London, the houses are mostly small and quite close together and off-road parking was always a rarity. Now, both parents and at least one kid has a car, despite the copious amount of transport available. Consequently life is being made impossible for drivers, nowhere to park, charges even to drive into London. Driving is becoming unsustainable Britain is slowly being priced out of being able to drive.

I couldn't afford a car until I was in my 20s and didn't pass my test till 22. But I rode a motorbike from age 17 and all through my uni years. I wouldn't suggest that for anyone, though. It was dangerous then, it's terrifying now with roads so busy, car drivers on their phones, looking at their satnav... And you know, you can't legally drink alcohol in the US until you're 21. Personally I wouldn't mind the age of majority returning to 21 for everything.

finally, the vast majority of accidents involve young people, mostly young men. That's because we're all quite stupid when we're very young and think we're invincible. If only we were...