When does a child become an adult?

By ROSALEEN MACBRAYNE

When does a child become an adult? There is no magic moment.

You can buy land or Lotto tickets, join a demonstration or a union, at any age.

On the other hand, you have to be 25 before your parents' income is no longer means-tested for a student allowance.

The gambling example shows the confusion that reigns: while anyone can buy a Lotto ticket, you must be 16 to buy an Instant Kiwi, 18 to bet at the TAB, and 20 to enter a casino's gaming area.

According to the dictionary definition, a child is below the age of puberty, an adolescent is between childhood and adulthood, and an adult is a mature grownup.

But, in practice, there is wide divergence over what constitutes maturity and an arbitrary cutoff point for when young people should pay adult prices.

This was highlighted when Air New Zealand and Ansett decided that, from now on, 12-year-olds must pay adult fares - down from 14. They say the change brings New Zealand into line with overseas airlines.

The move has upset schools and sports groups which struggle now to raise funds for trips for intermediate-age children.

Tranz Rail still treats under-14s as children on trains and interisland ferries, and coachlines generally charge adult prices from 15.

The Commerce Commission says companies are not obliged to have special fares for children at all.

Children's tickets at the movies stop at 14, while some other attractions, such as the Auckland Zoo, give another year's grace.

In most cases, transport and entertainment companies offer concessions for students carrying identification.

Commissioner for Children Roger McClay is disappointed by the airlines' decision to lower adult fares. He wonders why 12 was settled on when, under law, youngsters are children until 14 and then classed as young persons up to, and including, 16.

"What is the rationale? Is it the end of primary school?"

It is regrettable, he says, that the airlines' move came at the same time as the announcement of an annual Children's Day, to be held on October 29.

"They wouldn't do it to the elderly, or to women, so why do it to children?"

Youth Law solicitor Clair Trainor says there is "nothing definitive" about what marks coming-of-age - "It's a whole minefield."

Chronological age is just one way of determining adulthood, she says. While some 16-year-olds are mature, others are not.

"But it would be good to have more efforts made to standardise ages."

The Ministry of Youth Affairs, which caters for 12 to 25-year-olds, says there is no magic formula for deciding at what age young people should be able to do certain things.

Bothered by the lack of consistency, the ministry compiled an "indicative" list as a guide for organisations dealing with age-related issues.

The advice booklet produced in March is regarded as a starting point to encourage a consistent approach, but is it any wonder young Kiwis are hearing mixed messages about their place in society?

A trend towards prolonged adolescence sees them staying at school longer, being financially reliant on their parents much longer, getting married and having their own children later in life.

Yet they are expected to behave as adults and given increased responsibility at low ages.

Consider this:

* Ten-year-olds can be charged with murder or manslaughter.

* Twelve-year-olds are required to take an oath when giving evidence in court.

* A 14-year-old is considered a young person under the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act.

* At 15, you can obtain a learner driver's licence, but insurance coverage will be high and you cannot drive a rental car.

Sixteen is the age when parents are no longer legally obliged to support their children. The young person might be entitled to an independent youth benefit or an invalid's benefit and, in some cases, qualify for student allowances.

In special circumstances, such as having Ministry of Education permission to leave school early, a 15-year-old can also register with Work and Income New Zealand.

Our laws accept that 16-year-olds can leave school and home, decide where to live, consent to sex, drive a vehicle, get married with parental consent, hold a gun or a student pilot licence, and can make independent decisions about their health and medical care (including having or refusing an abortion).

They must also pay taxes.

Now a group called Tick 16 is lobbying for the voting age to be lowered by two years. They believe 16-year-olds should have the right to participate in the electoral system in order to fully express their views and be heard in administrative proceedings affecting them.

The young lobbyists argue that any citizen who has to obey the law should have a voice in making the law, and anyone paying taxes should have a say in how the money is spent.

Just how mature and mentally capable of thinking through issues a 16-year-old is came into question late last month when Rotorua police and social workers were powerless to stop a girl stripping in front of an audience at a city massage club.

As long as the 16-year-old did not drink alcohol and was not paid for performing, she was not breaking the law by entering a competition as an amateur stripper.

She had her parents' consent and was accompanied to the club by her mother, who watched her dance.

By 17, youth justice provisions no longer apply, nor do care and protection provisions generally - although guardianship orders can continue until a person is 20.

A range of further freedoms come at 18, including being able to drink in public, buy tobacco, join the armed forces and vote. You can also stand for election and become eligible for various employment and sickness-related benefits, plus the Domestic Purposes Benefit.

An 18-year-old can enter into contracts, operate a credit card and cheque account and rent an apartment or house in his or her own name.

At 20, you are legally an adult with full capacity to make your own decisions. You can serve on a jury, enter and gamble at a casino, and are entitled to the adult minimum wage rate.

New Zealand Principals' Federation head Geoff Lovegrove says the anomalies are rampant, but he would advocate 16 as a sensible end to childhood and adolescence.

Although acknowledging that some people much older than that are far from mature, he says it is a matter of common sense.

"I think most New Zealanders would go along with 16 as the threshold to adulthood."