Chances are your teenager is looking forward to their 18th birthday. Turning 18 marks their entry into adulthood, and with this milestone comes more independence and responsibility. But your duties as a parent aren't over once your teen turns 18. Regardless of what your child's plans are following high school, there are a handful of legal changes to have on your radar as your child transitions to young adulthood. Below, learn more about the legal responsibilities that teens take on when they turn 18.
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Is 18 Considered an Adult?
An 18-year-old is considered a full-fledged adult with certain, but not all, rights and responsibilities. They still can't buy alcohol or rent a car in the United States, but 18-year-olds can vote and sign contracts. If they're still in high school, they can even excuse themselves from class. Males at this age must sign up to be drafted into the army.
18-Year-Olds Have New Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Eighteen is a milestone into adulthood accompanied by new privileges and serious legal implications. At 18, your teen can vote, buy a house, or wed their high school sweetheart. They can also go to jail, get sued, and gamble.1
18-Year-Old Males Must Register With the Selective Service
There hasn't been an active military draft in the United States since the 1970s, but if your child was assigned male at birth, they still have to register (people assigned female at birth are not required to register, no matter their gender identity).2 You may want to learn more about the who, why, where, and how of the Selective Service, the system's background, and its link to college financial aid.
Sex Carries More Consequences for 18-Year-Olds
18-year-olds need to be cautious about the age-gap with their romantic partners. Statutory rape and similar laws were written to protect children from abuse by older, predatory partners. 18-year-olds are now adults, and should steer clear of dating younger teenagers, although they might seem close in age.
What's permissible in some states means jail time in others, so its important for 18-year-olds to be cognizant of the specific restrictions in their home state. Violating these laws could requite registering as a sex offender for life, which can make it very difficult to hold a job or find a place to live.
18-Year-Olds Have New Privacy Rights
It's natural for parents to get sentimental and nostalgic for their childhood when their kids turn 18, but with this milestone also come new legal rights that will change your relationship. Want to see your 18-year-old's medical records, grades, or bank statements? No can do—unless your child formally agrees, that is. The same federal privacy laws that allowed you access to school transcripts and disciplinary records when they were still legally considered a child, close that door once they turn 18.
What to Consider When Parenting an 18-Year-Old
While a lot changes after a child's 18th birthday, most things about your child's life and relationship might stay the same. Even as a young adult, they're still your kid—and they will still need your guidance and support.
For example, you might still be concerned about drug and alcohol misuse, and this topic warrants ongoing conversation, ideally starting well before your child turns 18. But as part of the process of getting your child ready for more independence, especially if they are off the college, you'll need to help your 18-year-old understand the dangers they might encounter outside of their home. Talk to them about why they should avoid binge drinking (and alcohol in general), as well the challenges associated with romantic intimacy, dating, and eventually, living on their own.3
While your 18-year-old may be aching for more freedom, don't forget that they are still a member of the family. That means that while they may not be around for all the same family traditions they took part in when they were younger, you don't have to give up others, like family vacations. Continue to encourage and strengthen those family bonds so they can transition with you into this new phase of their lives.