Growing up shouldn’t be defined by rules and restrictions, writes Robert Epstein in this Education Week Commentary. Some kids are remarkably mature, and should be given more responsibility and privileges to encourage them to grow. Extensive rules only serve to artificially extend childhood and stunt this process, Epstein cautions.
Recognizing that young people are capable, competent, and responsible will allow us to cultivate their talents. As part of this process, education should be individualized and self-paced, ushering young people into adulthood, not isolating them from it, writes Epstein.
What do you think? Should (and could) schools do more to help teenagers mature?