IN MANY AREAS PASTORS AND PRIESTS ARE BEING CONSULTED FOR GUIDANCE RE THE MOST RELEVANT AGE TO GIVE OFFICES OF HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY AQUIRED THE AGE OF MAJORITY.
The Age of Majority, previously considered to be 21 years, has in some cases apparently been lowered to the age of 18.
The age of majority is the threshold of adulthood as it is conceptualized [and recognized or declared] in law.
It is the chronological moment when minors cease to legally be considered as children and assume control over their persons, actions and decisions, thereby terminating the legal control and legal responsibilities of their parents or guardians over and for them.
Heavy Responsibilities
The age at which heavy managerial responsibilities is being given - according to word on the street - appears to be in the process of being lowered.
What are the moral implications of giving heavy responsibilities to those just graduating from the latter end of childhood?
Placing undue responsibility at too young an age can open the gate to ensuing problematical situations due to a number of factors.
Brain Development has not completed by Age 21
Neuroscience is giving increasing evidence that Brain Development has not completed by age 21; according to studies, brain maturation only completes at age 25.
The changes that happen in the human between ages 18 to 25 are a continuation of the process that starts around puberty; 18 year olds are about halfway through the process, their prefrontal cortex not yet being fully developed.
The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that helps you to inhibit impulses and plan or organize your behaviour in order to reach a goal. 1
The 21 year old is thus still undergoing the brain maturation process.
According to Dr Sandra Aamodt, brain scans show clearly that the brain is not yet fully finished developing until about age 25.
Furthermore, the other part of the brain that is different in adolescence is that the brain's reward system becomes highly active around the age of puberty and then gradually goes back to an adult level, which it reaches about age 25.
That makes adolescents and young adults more interested in entering uncertain situations to seek out and try to find out whether there might be a possibility of gaining something from those situations.
Aamodt goes on to clarify that one of the side effects of the changes in the reward system is that adolescents and young adults become more sensitive to peer pressure than they were earlier or will be as adults.
For instance, a 20 year old is 50 percent more likely to do something risky if two friends are watching than if the 20 year old is alone. 2
Time for Growth
What impact does this have on the moral implications of placing undue responsibility at too young an age?
In a time where technology and swift response to fulfilment of consumer need is the norm, many blessings are received from these two factors.
What may also follow is demand on youth to be productive citizens in highly demanding occupations before their brains have completed the biological maturation process.
Young adults need time for growth; time for reflection; time for spiritual and emotional adaptation to the very great demands on their abilities to form an integral and responsible part of the society we form.
Priests and pastors need to be aware that young adults need support as they navigate the bewildering labyrinths of growth, entrance into employment, and development of the range of relationships that characterise society.
We need to be the rock to which they can turn, the integrity from which they can seek answers and guidance of truth and wisdom.
Priests and pastors can steadfastly support the fact that the implication of placing undue responsibility at too young an age
[id est prior to the full maturation of the brain during the late brain development process] is to encourage our youth to take on the full responsibilities of older adults at too young an age.
This may lead to undue stress being placed on the younger adult in order to fulfil the task given, and the consequences of key decisions being made without the full equipment of full brain maturation being at hand.
1. Brain Maturity Extends Well Beyond Teen Years
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=141164708
2. Brain Maturity Extends Well Beyond Teen Years
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=141164708
3. Presidential Age Referendum Alleged News
http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/tanaiste-expecting-defeat-in-presidential-age-referendum-677513.html
With thanks to Npr.org and Breakingnews.ie.
Image by Rev Catherine
No comments:
Post a Comment