Most countries recognize 18 as the start of adulthood by granting various freedoms and privileges. Yet there's no exact age or moment in development that we can point to as having reached full maturity. If there's no consensus on exactly when we reach maturity, when do we actually become adults? Shannon Odell shares how scientists define adulthood using stages of brain development. [Directed by Biljana Labović, narrated by Alexandra Panzer, Gen Parton-Shin, May Yoshioka, music by Weston Fonger, Samuel Bellingham].

Shannon Odell: When are you actually an adult?

When are you actually an adult?

Adulthood's onset isn't marked by a uniform age; neuroscience suggests it's a series of maturity waves shaped by our brains.

Brain development in teens and early 20s is heavily influenced by social and emotional factors, impacting decision-making.

Judicial systems are urged to adapt, recognizing that those in their late teens and early 20s still undergo significant brain changes.