There's no single definitive answer to the question "What age is a child?" as the definition varies depending on context. Different legal systems, organizations, and cultural norms use different age ranges.
Legal and International Definitions
- Under 14: Some definitions consider children to be those under the age of 14. [Source: Unidentified source in provided references]
- Under 18: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines a child as anyone under the age of 18. [Source: United Nations For Youth FAQ; UN Convention on the Rights of the Child] This is a widely influential definition, though not universally adopted as law in every country.
Developmental Stages and Terminology
The term "child" encompasses a wide range of ages and developmental stages. Different terms are used to describe children at different ages:
- Infant: 0-12 months
- Toddler: 1-3 years
- Preschooler: 3-5 years
- School-aged child: 5-12 years
- Adolescent/Teenager: 13-19 years (often considered a transition to adulthood)
While these are common guidelines, children develop at different rates, and there’s significant variation in each stage.
[Source: Quora responses on age ranges of children; HealthyChildren.org - Ages & Stages]
Legal Considerations
Laws regarding children vary widely across jurisdictions. The age of majority (when a person is legally considered an adult) and the age of criminal responsibility differ significantly around the world. For example, the legal age for driving, working, and other activities may also vary depending on the country and jurisdiction. In some instances, there's no specific legal age defining when a child can be left home alone. [Source: Arizona Department of Child Safety FAQ]
Conclusion
The age range considered "childhood" is fluid and context-dependent. While 18 is increasingly accepted internationally as the upper limit, the lower limit and specific age ranges are often determined by law, developmental stage, or cultural norms.
