What is it like being a teen?

Answer 1

It means something different today and it did 40 years ago. In fact, the idea of a "teen" is fairly new. It was wasn't until the 1940's the term was used. Until then most people were children and then grown.

Today it seems that teen-hood has extended into the early 20's and provided people with excuses for not getting down to life. Many news stories refer to people who are 20-21 that have committed a crime as "teenagers". No so. Legally a person is an adult at 18 and should be treated as such. Unfortunately, many people take this notion to heart and do not act like adults at 18. Now, there are special foods and magazines that cater to the idea of a teen. Movies are made for the age group and the buying habits are noted. I just read yesterday that the teens are spending 22% more than they did last year even though we are in a depression. We even have a term for a young teen or a child who isn't even close to it yet preteen. This age seems to have taken on a whole different meaning that it once had. Personally, I think it does a disservice to young people.

Answer 2

The people in the group who, at one end, have just passed their 13th birthday and at the other, have not yet had their 20th birthday.