Just part of a trend.

Reader comment on: ROSLA Update

Submitted by Lyle (United States), Mar 8, 2012 16:45

In 1900 the compulsory school age was typically 14, and went to 16 by the mid 20th century. So its just a continuing trend to make it 18 now. (In 1860 there less than half the states had any compulsory school laws) Even in 1900 school might have meant 8 weeks a year in Ky for example. So as society (and jobs) have become more complex and less based on brute strength the ages have increased. As an example compare an underground coal miner today with one 112 years ago, a very different job.

So its not a new trend, just one that reporters are unwilling to do a little searching to find the history of.

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