What it means to grow up in a world governed by laws

What it means to grow up in a world governed by laws - By Jasmin

Children and minors are among the most legally controlled and often most restricted groups in the world. Unlike adults, their lives are shaped by rules they did not create and cannot influence. Their daily reality is defined by permission rather than choice. Growing up under laws means that minors live under constant control.

Which Laws Affect and Control Youth the Most?

1. Youth Protection Laws

  • Alcohol and Smoking/Vaping Restrictions – In EU countries, the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors is prohibited. For example, alcoholic drinks like beer are prohibited to minors under 16. In the United States, alcohol is prohibited for citizens under 21, while beer is prohibited for those under 18.
    These laws protect children and minors because alcohol and tobacco are classified as drugs that can harm health. Excessive consumption can lead to liver damage, cancer, organ failure, and addiction.

  • Age Restrictions for Clubs, Bars, and Casinos – Children and minors cannot enter spaces such as clubs, bars, and casinos. These restrictions protect them from adult environments that may be dangerous or socially harmful. Exposure to alcohol, gambling, or adult peer pressure can increase the risk of exploitation, accidents, and unsafe behavior.

  • Age Ratings for Movies, Shows, Video Games, and Social Media – Genres like horror (e.g., Terrifier, The Conjuring, Smile) or erotica (e.g., Fifty Shades of Grey, After, 365 Days) are age-restricted due to graphic violence or sexual content. These laws protect minors from material they may not be emotionally or psychologically prepared to handle, supporting healthy cognitive and emotional development.

2. Youth Employment Protection Laws

  • Limits on working hours (e.g., no night shifts) and restrictions on the age at which minors may work protect children from overwork and exploitation. These laws support physical health, mental well-being, and academic performance.

3. Juvenile Criminal Law

  • In Germany, minors can be held legally accountable for criminal acts from the age of 14. Juvenile criminal law emphasizes education, rehabilitation, and guidance rather than punishment, aiming to teach responsibility while considering developmental and psychological stages.

4. (Political) Participation Laws

  • Voting laws in most countries allow citizens to vote at age 18, though some EU countries set the voting age to 16 for specific elections, such as the EU Parliament election in 2024. Granting minors limited voting rights expands political autonomy, encourages civic engagement, and allows young people to influence decisions that affect their future.

5. Education Laws

  • Compulsory school attendance ensures that every child has access to education. These laws protect the right to learn, develop skills, and participate in society later in life. Compulsory education also reduces inequalities by ensuring children from all backgrounds receive a minimum level of instruction.

Reflecting on my past and the current world, I am grateful to have been born in a country where education laws are strictly enforced.

The other laws did not affect me much since I have never engaged in party culture or criminal activities. However, I think restrictions on drugs and party culture are important because health is essential, especially for children and minors still growing and experiencing puberty.

Similarly, age restrictions for movies and media exist for good reasons. In my opinion, some restrictions could be higher, and some content should be completely banned. Media must be carefully regulated, as it can influence young minds in positive or negative ways.

I was very happy when the voting age was lowered from 18 to 16 for the EU Parliament election. Voting at 16 felt like an honor and a duty as a citizen. While the national voting age remains 18, I understand the reasoning: at 16, minors can be easily influenced by parents, family, or media (#fakenews). One crucial point remains: political education should start at an early age.

In Summary
Legal systems shape the lives of different groups in different ways. Children and minors grow up under laws designed to protect their health, safety, and development, but these same laws also restrict freedom and autonomy.

For women in some countries, laws go beyond restriction and function as tools of oppression. In Afghanistan under Taliban rule, women and girls are largely barred from education and work, and protections against domestic violence are almost nonexistent. In Saudi Arabia, women historically required male guardians to make basic decisions, and access to legal protection and political participation was extremely limited.

These examples highlight a crucial distinction: for youth, restrictive laws are often temporary and protective, whereas for women in these contexts, discriminatory laws can permanently limit freedom, safety, and participation. Legal systems therefore, serve very different purposes depending on who they govern—sometimes providing safety and guidance, and sometimes enforcing control and inequality. 

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