Is 16 an adult in the UK? Is it like being 18 in the uS?

Question

Whoever I watch British shows they act like 16 is an adult

Answer 1

No. The age of adulthood is 18. However, the age of consent for sex is 16 (which in some US states it isn't) and you can leave school at 16.



At 16 in the UK, you sit your GCSE exams (or Standard Grades in Scotland) and then you can leave school. (If you want to go to university, you stay on for another 2 years to sit A levels.) Until recently you could just go and get a job. The law now is that if you do that, it must include some kind of education or training, but as long as it does, you can work and earn at 16. That's a big step to being adult, of course. So it can look like that. But you are NOT technically adult yet.

Answer 2

There is no single definition of being an adult in the UK. Generally it is taken as being the age at you can vote in a general election ie 18

Answer 3

You're not an adult until you're 18 in the UK. We find it astounding that kids can drive at 14 in some US states.

Answer 4

No. You're not an adult until you're 18 in the UK.



At 16, you're still legally a minor; but you can have sex.

Answer 5

No - you MUST be receiving some sort of education until you are 18, you can't have a credit card, rent a flat/house AND your parents/guardians are LEGALLY responsible for you until you are 18.

Answer 6

Age of consent is 16yrs old, but they are not an adult as no one can sign a legal contract until they are an adult and that is 18yrs old.......... but in the UK they would be classed as "young adults" and yes at 16yrs old they take on lots of responsibilities

Answer 7

yes legally you choose not to go to school anymore and get a job, also rent a house.(although you'd have a tough time finding one at that age.