Is Teenage Autonomy the Key to Healthy Development?
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By Amanda Zheng Zihan
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When I was thirteen years old, I made the decision to leave China and go to boarding school in the UK with the full support of my parents. At fourteen years old, Quan Hongchan won gold for China at the Tokyo Olympics, making history in the 10-meter women's diving platform event. Although vastly different, these examples of teenagers pursuing their own paths of interest highlight the positive impacts of parents giving teenagers the freedom to make their own decisions. In this article, I will be exploring the question of whether teenage autonomy is the key to healthy development, specifically through the context of whether a 14 year old should hold the freedom to make their own decisions.
At fourteen years of age, teenagers typically go through a stage of significant cognitive and social development. This period is often associated with the search for personal identity and the development of their values. Erik Erikson, a renowned psychologist, referred to this stage as the "identity versus role confusion" stage in his theory of psychosocial development. During this stage, adolescents struggle to find significance in their existence while questioning inherent societal rules. Additionally, they may experience conflict due to their desire for independence. These psychological conflicts are crucial in shaping their identity and sense of self as they navigate adolescence and adulthood.
Despite this internal conflict, allowing teenagers to make decisions can have several benefits. It empowers them to develop a sense of autonomy and independence, significantly increasing their self-esteem and allowing them to pursue different paths of interest. Such freedom also enhances their critical thinking skills, helping them to consider various options and make informed choices. When teenagers make their own decisions, they learn not only about responsibility but also respect and whether the impact of their actions fits in with acceptable behaviour.
By practicing decision-making at an early age, teenagers are better prepared for adulthood, avoiding foolish mistakes and excessive reliance on parents. Fourteen is an age when pubescent teenagers often feel irritable and verdure. Learning how to navigate challenges, solve problems, and communicate with other people would help them to become more capable of making important choices in the future. Therefore, encouraging teenagers to express their opinions and make decisions fosters better communication between parents and teens, strengthening trust and understanding in the parent-child relationship.
I developed a WeChat survey to explore whether we should support 14-year-old teenagers in having physical autonomy. The participants were around 40 teenagers of different religions, aged 14–17, and their parents. The data shows that 82% of participants chose to agree with the idea that parents or guardians should not interfere with the privacy of teenagers. The research also reveals that around 70% of the participants think the law should give parents and guardians some power to help their children make decisions when needed. This strongly enhances my idea of balance between autonomy and authority and shows how most parents believe in letting their children have space and freedom.
This is why fourteen-year-olds should be given this freedom without exception. Giving teenagers opportunities to make decisions within certain boundaries can positively impact their development, promoting growth, maturity, and self-sufficiency.