This composition calls into question the topic of extended adolescence. The adolescent period in the United States emerged in cultural understanding roughly between 1890 and 1920 when child labor laws came into effect and high school was extended as an opportunity and requirement for all. This created a gap between when children were traditionally seen as ready for work and for all intents and purposes, adulthood, and gave them more time to mature into the responsibilities of adulthood. Today, 25 is the new 18.