新奇事件簿 青春期被延至24岁

Scientists have changed their estimation of when adolescence¹ ends and adulthood² starts. Adolescence is that difficult time when children develop into adults. It was traditionally thought to coincide with our teenage years. However, scientists from the University of Melbourne have redefined this. They say it can start at the age of 10 and continue to the age of 24. Puberty used to occur around the age of 14, but because of improved health and nutrition, puberty can now start at the age of 10, especially in the developed world. Likewise, the upper age for when adolescence ends has been increased. This is because we stay in education longer, and delay responsibilities like marriage, parenthood and getting a job.

科学家们对青春期结束时间和成年期开始时间做出调整。青春期是孩子们成长为成年人的一段困难时期。传统研究认为青春期与我们的青少年时期相一致。然而墨尔本大学的科学家重新定义了青春期。他们表示青春期开始于10岁且直到24岁才结束。发育期常发生于14岁左右，但由于健康和营养的改善，现在发育期可以开始于10岁，特别是在发达国家。同样青春期结束的年龄上限也在增长。这是因为我们停留在教育阶段的时间增加了，承担婚姻、亲子以及找工作等的责任就延迟了。

The scientists published their study in the "Lancet Child and Adolescent Health" journal. They say society needs to change laws to take into account the findings of the research. Professor Susan Sawyer said: "Although many adult legal privileges start at age 18, the adoption³ of adult roles and responsibilities generally occurs later." The researchers say youth support services could be extended to the age of 25. However, this could be problematic in many countries around the globe. There is a big difference in the legal age at which nations recognize adulthood. Children legally become adults at the age of 15 in Indonesia, Myanmar and Yemen. In Singapore, Zambia and Honduras, the age is 21.

科学家们在Lancet Child and Adolescent Health期刊上发表了他们研究。他们表示社会需重视研究中的发现并相应改变法律。Susan Sawyer教授说道：“虽然许多成年人法律特权年龄是18岁，但他们接受成年人角色并承担责任的年龄通常会晚一些。”研究员表示青年支持服务可被延至25岁。然而这在世界许多国家中可能是个问题。各国对判定成年的法定年龄有很大差异。在印度尼西亚、缅甸以及也门，孩子的法定年龄是15岁。在新加坡、赞比亚以及洪都拉斯则是21岁。

1 adolescence   

n.青春期，青少年

参考例句：

• Adolescence is the process of going from childhood to maturity.青春期是从少年到成年的过渡期。
• The film is about the trials and tribulations of adolescence.这部电影讲述了青春期的麻烦和苦恼。

2 adulthood   

n.成年，成人期

参考例句：

• Some infantile actions survive into adulthood.某些婴儿期的行为一直保持到成年期。
• Few people nowadays are able to maintain friendships into adulthood.如今很少有人能将友谊维持到成年。

3 adoption   

n.采用，采纳，通过；收养

参考例句：

• An adoption agency had sent the boys to two different families.一个收养机构把他们送给两个不同的家庭。
• The adoption of this policy would relieve them of a tremendous burden.采取这一政策会给他们解除一个巨大的负担。