According to a new study, published in the Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, adolescence now lasts until 24 years old, or should be considered so.

The researchers find that biological and social forces described below are changing what is commonly known as “adolescence”:

Adolescence encompasses elements of biological growth and major social role transitions, both of which have changed in the past century.

Earlier puberty has accelerated the onset of adolescence in nearly all populations, while understanding of continued growth has lifted its endpoint age well into the 20s.

In parallel, delayed timing of role transitions, including completion of education, marriage, and parenthood, continue to shift popular perceptions of when adulthood begins.

The authors believe it would be preferable to adjust the law, social policies and service systems accordingly.

Here how the map of the new teenagers would look like in Birmingham. The darker the ward below, the higher the proportion of 10 to 24 years old!

The data is from the 2011 ONS census.

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