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Age of majority facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The age of majority is a special age when young people officially become adults in the eyes of the law. This means they can make their own choices and decisions, and their parents are no longer legally responsible for them. The word majority here means having enough years to be considered an adult. The opposite is minority, which means being a child or a minor. The exact age when someone becomes an adult can be different depending on where they live. Most places set the age of majority at 18, but it can be as young as 15 or as old as 21 in some areas.

Becoming an Adult: What Changes?

When a person reaches the age of majority, they gain new rights and responsibilities. They can do things they couldn't do before. These might include buying stocks, voting in elections, or getting married without needing permission. The specific age for these activities can vary from place to place.

Even after reaching the age of majority, there might be other age rules. For example, you might need to be older to run for office in elections or become a judge. In the United States, you must be 21 to buy alcohol, even if the age of majority is 18. In Ireland, you become an adult at 18, but you must be over 21 to run for election.

What is Emancipation?

Sometimes, a young person can become an adult before the age of majority. This is called emancipation. It means they are legally freed from their parents' or legal guardians' care.

In most places, if a minor gets married, they automatically become emancipated. Some places also emancipate minors who join the armed forces or who have earned a certain degree or diploma.

Ages Around the World

The age of majority is different in many countries and regions. Here is a list of some of them:

Age 15

Age 16

Age 17

Age 18

Age 19

Age 20

Age 21

Related pages

  • Age of consent

Images for kids

  • Global Age of Majority in 2022

    Ages of majority (2022):     21     20     19     18*     17     16*Age of majority is 16 in Scotland, but 18 in the rest of the United Kingdom.

  • Coming of Age Day Ceremony

    Coming of Age Day in Japan

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Mayoría de edad para niños

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Age of majority Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.