In France, adulthood starts at 18. In some countries, it’s 21. It all depends on the legal age of majority. But that line is mostly legal and science tells a more complex story.

At 18, the brain is still developing. In particular, the prefrontal cortex at the front of the brain and the cerebellum. A 2009 study in the Journal of Adolescent Health shows these areas are crucial for emotion regulation, responsibility, planning, prioritization, and impulse control.

But then, is it really possible to determine when we become adults? But what does being an adult really mean? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A Bababam Originals podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue.

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