* Legal Definitions: Laws often define a child based on age. This age varies considerably across jurisdictions, typically ranging from 18 to 21 years old. Sometimes, the definition depends on the specific legal context (e.g., age of majority, age of criminal responsibility). Some jurisdictions might also consider factors beyond chronological age, such as emancipation or level of maturity.
* Biological Definitions: Biologically, a child is a person in the developmental stage from birth to puberty or adolescence. This focuses on physical and biological maturity.
* Social Definitions: Socially, the definition of a child can be more fluid. It might consider factors like dependence on caregivers, level of cognitive development, and social roles within a family or community. A person might be considered a child even if they are legally an adult if they continue to rely on parental support or lack independent decision-making capabilities.
* Developmental Definitions: Developmental psychology emphasizes the stages of cognitive, emotional, and social development. A child, in this context, is someone who is still undergoing significant development in these areas.
In summary, defining a child is complex. It's not simply about a specific age, but rather a combination of biological, legal, social, and developmental factors that may vary significantly across different cultures and contexts.