What Is Age 18 Called? Discover the Significance and Meaning

The Big 18: What Does It Really Mean?

Well, turning 18 is often seen as a huge milestone, right? But have you ever stopped to wonder what age 18 is really called? It's a moment that marks the shift from childhood to adulthood, and society seems to make a big deal about it. But beyond the celebrations and the newfound legal rights, there’s more to this age than just a number. Honestly, for many, age 18 feels like a magical threshold, where you go from being "a kid" to someone with a lot more responsibilities.

I remember when I turned 18—such a mix of excitement and pressure. Suddenly, you’re expected to know everything, or at least pretend you do. But what exactly is this age called? Let’s break it down.

The Legal Milestone: Coming of Age

What Does "Coming of Age" Really Mean?

Age 18 is often referred to as the "coming of age" because it marks the point at which you legally transition into adulthood. In many countries, including the U.S., this is when you gain the right to vote, sign contracts, and be held fully accountable under the law. It’s a pretty big deal, and for many, it's when you finally get that feeling of freedom.

But here’s the thing—I remember my friend Jake, who was so ready to hit 18. He was looking forward to voting, getting a driver’s license (even though he was already driving illegally), and making adult decisions. But when the day finally came, he was... well, honestly kind of freaked out. It’s one thing to look forward to the perks of adulthood, and another to realize how much more responsibility comes with it.

A Legal Adulthood

So, officially, age 18 is the age of majority in many places. This is the age when you can enter into legal contracts, get married without parental consent, and even be tried as an adult in court. While society often gives young people the "freedom" to do more at 18, this age is equally about understanding the weight of decisions and actions.

I’ll admit, I didn’t fully grasp this responsibility at 18. For a while, I thought it was just about doing what I wanted, without considering that the legal consequences of my actions had just become a lot more real.

The Cultural Aspect of Turning 18

Different Countries, Different Traditions

Actually, age 18 has different meanings in different cultures. For example, in the U.S., it’s a legal turning point, but in other places, the transition into adulthood might not happen until later, or it might come with elaborate ceremonies. In Mexico, turning 18 is celebrated with a "fiesta de quinceañera" for young men, called "fiesta de quince años" (similar to a girl’s quinceañera but for boys). I was actually surprised to learn about this tradition from a friend who celebrated it in his family.

In some countries, 18 is a time to prepare for a life of responsibility, while in others, it’s a bit more of a formality. Honestly, the idea of a grand celebration for "becoming an adult" is a bit intimidating for me—but hey, if you’ve ever been to one of these coming-of-age parties, you’ll know they can be pretty fun!

Is 18 Really the End of Childhood?

Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it—18 doesn’t magically change who you are. You don’t suddenly have all the answers. In fact, many of us are still figuring things out well into our 20s. And that's okay. It’s a period where you’re expected to navigate new responsibilities like work, taxes, and relationships. But the pressure to figure everything out at 18 can be overwhelming.

My cousin recently turned 18, and she told me she felt like she had to "grow up" overnight. I had to remind her that it’s okay to still be figuring things out—being an adult doesn’t mean having it all figured out on day one.

The Psychological Impact of Age 18

Maturity vs. Legal Age

You might be wondering, "But just because you’re 18, does that mean you’re fully mature?" Honestly, no. Many 18-year-olds still struggle with finding their footing in terms of emotional maturity. The transition from adolescence to adulthood is gradual. It's not just about getting older, but about growing emotionally and mentally.

My younger brother, when he turned 18, was super excited about all the new things he could do—like vote, buy alcohol, and have more independence. But I could see that he was still navigating the emotional side of being an adult. It’s like, on paper, you’re an adult, but inside, it’s a little more complicated.

The Pressure of Adulthood

Turning 18 can feel like a rite of passage, but with it comes a lot of pressure. Society expects you to be a "full adult," but the reality is that adulthood comes with uncertainty. You’re often expected to know what you want to do in life—where to go to college, what career to choose, how to manage money, and the list goes on.

I think we all feel that tension, don’t we? I know I did. When I turned 18, I had to deal with the idea of responsibilities while still craving freedom. It was a confusing time, to be honest.

Conclusion: Embracing the Age of 18

Honestly, what age 18 is really called doesn’t matter as much as how we experience it. Whether it’s called "coming of age," "the age of majority," or something else entirely, it’s a time when your life changes. But remember, it’s just the beginning of adulthood, not the end of childhood. It’s normal to feel lost, unsure, or even overwhelmed at 18, and it’s okay not to have everything figured out.

So, while society may label you as an "adult" at 18, take your time to adjust, learn, and grow into the person you're meant to be. Don’t let the hype of turning 18 make you think you need to have it all figured out. It's a journey—take it one step at a time.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.