@Hyolobrika @kkarhan true. The good news is that most adolescents want to leave the nest so they are probably unlikely to fake a fail. Especially if the incentives of adulthood are enticing enough.

There is no one size fits all approach, but using aptitude/competency indicators rather than picking a date seems more likely to leave people better prepared. Obviously there is more at play like home and community need to be positive forces in a child's life, but one thing I have come to realize in my years is that 18 years of age is not always an adult. Some people take 20-25 years to ripen, some maybe longer. There are also people who realistically could be granted adult status a bit earlier. My oldest cousin was like that. We recognize this by setting different dates for what things you are allowed to do as an adult. Fight for your country? We'll figure out ways to sign you up while you are 17. Drink a beer. Eh sorry that's for adults. Buy a gun? Well that depends... Rifles at 18, but no pistols until 21. When a person is an adult they should be granted full adult status, but I do not think a single age is appropriate for everyone.