Young teens are not able to drive, and the driving age is being raised in some states. They are restricted from smoking until age 18, even though their counterparts 20 years ago could smoke with abandon. Youngsters are told not to have sex at a time when their hormones are raging. Teen curfews, increasingly popular, keep them cooped up. Imagine your frustration at 13 when you realize that these infantilizing restrictions will continue until you are at least 18 - a period equal to almost half your life to date.
Work is out of the question.
Large businesses won't hire you because of regulations and fear of lawsuits. And most ordinary people won't hire kids to mow lawns or baby-sit anymore, either. That was a chance to learn responsibility that is denied today's teens. Now look at those young people who have gained access to the adult world. Today, the only teens who are taken seriously are criminals.