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Being a teenager can be pretty awesome. You're not a kid anymore, but you're also not an adult yet. There are still no crushing responsibilities, but you have heaps of free time to do silly (and sometimes questionable) things. In fact, when The New York Times asked 18 young people what's best about being a teenager, they said it's the freedom, independence, and being able to have fun with friends.

So today, we have for you the best memes about what being an adolescent is really like, courtesy of the online community r/teenagers. The teens will surely find some relatable content below. And those of us who are a bit older might find that we have more in common with the youngsters than we thought, even if we have fully developed frontal lobes.

#1

She Do Be Spittin Facts Doe

She Do Be Spittin Facts Doe

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#2

Mom Instincts Be Like

Mom Instincts Be Like

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We think we all know what we refer to when we say "teenager," but the actual age of teenagers can sometimes get mixed up. Is an 11-year-old a teenager yet? Are 19-year-olds still teenagers? The World Health Organization, for one, places teenagers between the ages of 10 and 19.

The American Academy of Pediatrics distinguishes three stages of adolescence. They say that it starts at 10 years old and goes on until we're 21 (and, sometimes, even beyond!). Early teenagehood, according to them, is from 10 to 13 years. Middle adolescence is from 14 to 17, and the latest stage is from 18 to 21.

#6

Strict Parents

Strict Parents

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Murdock Schlegel
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

no, thats too easy. kids need rules and boundries. what you are talking about here is mistreatment or abuse and not teaching kids how to apply rules to.show some respect to other people on the same planet. its a huge difference a lot of young parents dont get. no, yout kid is not in the spectrum or has ads, you just raised him to be an egoistic as......le, cause you are to lazy or "open minded" to stand up against your own childs tantrums.

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Nowadays, we associate teenagers with rebellion, sulkiness, and phrases like "It's not a phase, Mom!" But teenagehood wasn't always a thing. Teenagers as a concept in society only appeared in the middle of the 20th century. Until then, you simply used to be a child, and then, bam! You're suddenly an adult, having to work just like any other grown-up.

Back in those days, people even treated children as adults. The world consisted of children and adults. Kids used to work menial and dangerous jobs at ages as young as seven years old. Children and teens usually worked on their family's farms, and when industrialization came around, they became factory workers.

#7

If This Ain’t The Truth :/

If This Ain’t The Truth :/

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DragonsFox
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually have quite a few students who are far more informed about politics than I am.

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#8

Teachers Am I Right?

Teachers Am I Right?

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Bald Panda
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The irony here is that if they'd PAID attention in school, they would know that PAYED is a nautical term, as in: 'We payed the deck with tar' or 'we payed out the ropes'. 'PAID' is a transactional term and the correct spelling in all other situations when you want the past tense or past participle of 'PAY'.

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#9

Best Way To Make A Class Quiet Down

Best Way To Make A Class Quiet Down

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Chris Brillhart
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once worked overnights at a school for the deaf and blind. I was responsible for making sure a group of about 16 blind high school boys were ready for school in the morning. That was my go-to threat for a week straight until they took a dorm trip to see the movie. I woke everyone up that first Monday morning with "if you aren't out of bed by 6:30, I will be spoiling Endgame." We didn't have any troubles that week. I miss those boys.

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Of course, those who grew up in more well-off families wouldn't work on farms or in factories. They would receive an education and go on to become lawyers, doctors, priests, and such. Before the 19th century, only a small portion of the child population would receive any education in Britain at all.

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The U.S. passed laws between 1920 and 1936 to save children from toiling away in factories. As a result, the percentage of kids and teenagers in schools more than doubled from 30% to 60%.

#10

My Teacher Has No Chill

My Teacher Has No Chill

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#11

I Even Do This At Work. :(

I Even Do This At Work. :(

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#12

Come On, You Know Its True

Come On, You Know Its True

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CheaderMan
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I'm a weirdo. I don't fit in. And I don't want to fit in. Have you ever seen me without this stupid hat on? That's weird."

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The director of the documentary Teenage said that the Industrial Revolution inadvertently paved the way for child labor laws and, in turn, for teenagehood to become a thing. "The Industrial Revolution and the advent of child labor was a good way to bracket the story, since once you went to work, you were no longer considered a kid," he told Collectors Weekly. "When they started to make child labor illegal, this second stage of life emerged, and it needed a name. It was called adolescence."

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#13

Ugh, This Always Happens

Ugh, This Always Happens

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Spannermonkey
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because yesterday when it was 42°C (108°F) INSIDE the classroom you wouldn't let us drink during class so I got so dehydrated that I ended up with a UTI-sort-of-thing and today I have to pee every 7 minutes. Any more questions? . . . (I went to school in the early '80s)

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#14

School Is Boring

School Is Boring

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Lydia Callista Ventresca
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Teachers are always writing on the board and erasing it at the speed of lightening.

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The word 'teenager' wasn't always in our collective vocabulary, either. Some sources, like Merriam-Webster, claim its first (as in 'Teen-Ager') use was in 1913. Others say that a reviewer of Psychologist G. Stanley Hall's book Adolescence used the term 'Teen Age' first. However, the general consensus is that it was not widely used until the 20th century.

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The fact that the United States started recognizing teenagers as a separate age group is well documented by a 1945 New York Times article titled Teenage Bill of Rights. The 10 principles described in the text establish the essence of what we consider teenagehood now: the freedom and independence to become your own person. There was less pressure for adolescents to serve their parents and family, and they could go off and explore their separate identities.

#19

I'm In College, But This Still Applies To Me Partially

I'm In College, But This Still Applies To Me Partially

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The Teenage Bill of Rights urged parents to let their teenagers explore the world, question things, and build their own philosophies of life. Much like what we today associate with teenagers, right? Rebellion, searching for meaning, the urge to separate yourself from your parents and family – all these traits of a typical teenager were already covered in an article from 1945.

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#24

Do You Ever Just

Do You Ever Just

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The economic boom after WWII also saw teenagers begin to spend money. Older teenagers would work themselves or, like their younger peers, get allowances from their parents. Parents would also have fewer kids, allowing them to spend more on the children they had.

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Naturally, teenagers then became the primary target demographic for marketers. Teens became trendsetters, and companies realized they were the ones to make the most profit from. Dwight Macdonald, a writer for The New Yorker, even wrote back in 1958: "To some extent, the teenage market – and, in fact, the very notion of the teenager – has been created by the businessmen who exploit it."

#29

I'm Not Gonna Cry, I'm Not Gonna Cry

I'm Not Gonna Cry, I'm Not Gonna Cry

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Tiffany Wilson
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would absolutely say yes. I broke up with the GF, not little bro.

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#30

She Do Be Wholesome Doe 😳

She Do Be Wholesome Doe 😳

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BookFanatic
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wrote directions, notes, and drew diagrams for my poor mother. I'm still not entirely certain she even learned how to switch her VHS/DVD combo from one to the other.

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There's some evidence that teens were even sulky and moody in 1950s Britain. The BBC writes how one mother described her woes with her teenage son in a letter to an agony aunt. "He's cheeky and he's sulky… why should a boy change like this? He resents any questions. The best I get is a polite yes or no, the worst an angry look which clearly tells me to mind my own business."

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#31

Very Smart Indeed

Very Smart Indeed

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#32

Thanks Guys

Thanks Guys

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Vicky Phenny
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've gotta do my presentation before the teacher has anything to compare it to! 🤣

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#33

I Don’t See What’s So Good About The “Good Old Days” Bookers Talk About

I Don’t See What’s So Good About The “Good Old Days” Bookers Talk About

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#34

And Then I Panic When I Realize It’s Not Her

And Then I Panic When I Realize It’s Not Her

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Sweet Taurus
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a teenager I saw my grandma in the store with her back to me. I went up behind her and tickled her sides. When she turned around I shouted, "Omg you're not my Grandma! I'm so sorry!" She just laughed at me and said that she would be my Grandma if I wanted. I was so embarrassed. The friend I was with said she could hear me on the other side of the store lol.

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#36

Why Is This True

Why Is This True

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#37

On Christmas Dinner

On Christmas Dinner

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Dark Pearl
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and then you express that you aren't interested in what they're interested in and you're branded as a demon

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#38

Just Happened To Me

Just Happened To Me

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Amelia Jade
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was the opposite. I had so much trouble parting with my kids' toys. It was heartbreaking. THEY had to convince ME that it was time. I still have all their childhood books though. I can't be convinced to part with those.

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#40

Ya Don't Need Dual Monitors

Ya Don't Need Dual Monitors

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#41

It's A Trap

It's A Trap

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Sky Render
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We should be thankful if our kids don't have as hard a time of it growing up as we did! That means we're doing it right. Certainly makes more sense than getting jealous.

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#42

Happened Just The Other Day

Happened Just The Other Day

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Jane
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was math, WHICH IS MY FREAKING FIRST PERIOD, and we were taking a big test and all the sudden a kid from the class next to us punched a hole ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE FREAKING WALL.

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#43

I Have The Same Self-Esteem As Freddie From iCarly

I Have The Same Self-Esteem As Freddie From iCarly

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#44

*Has A Total Of 3.5 Credits By Senior Year*

*Has A Total Of 3.5 Credits By Senior Year*

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#45

It Was Lit When Even The Teacher Laughs

It Was Lit When Even The Teacher Laughs

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Giles McArdell
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My physics teacher talking about a faulty bit of equipment "I've been trying to get it up for 2 weeks" - that was 40+ years ago and I still laugh :D

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#46

Can’t Hold It In

Can’t Hold It In

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Lil Miss Hobbit
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My sister and I pretending to cry while laughing behind the table

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#47

I Do Be Like That

I Do Be Like That

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#48

My Mom Sent Me A Meme

My Mom Sent Me A Meme

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Sky Render
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My big issue is that no chair seems to be designed to actually accommodate my butt for any meaningful length of time. The joys of having a second tailbone in action, that...

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#49

Just Got My Girlfriend's Name Tattooed On My Arm 😊😍

Just Got My Girlfriend's Name Tattooed On My Arm 😊😍

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#50

I Just Don’t Get It

I Just Don’t Get It

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Francis
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i never had acne as a teenager. but for a couple of years now my adult face thinks: yes acne is something great.. i hate it so much

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#51

These Kids Don’t Even Go To My School, But Someone Took The Picture From Online And Just Tossed It In The Yearbook. None Of The Teachers Noticed

These Kids Don’t Even Go To My School, But Someone Took The Picture From Online And Just Tossed It In The Yearbook. None Of The Teachers Noticed

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annie
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think the more important question is... why are they shaking hands through their pants?

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#52

2020 Is The Real 2012

2020 Is The Real 2012

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BebeR
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The 'Z' in the name means "zoomer" -the first generation known to 'zoom' the internet. ''refers to the fast-paced nature of Gen Z's upbringing, amidst the explosion of technology and culture.''

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#53

Sorry Guys The Printer Was Bad

Sorry Guys The Printer Was Bad

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Robert A Reider Jr
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh youngins' not to talk down, but you have never experienced the "ditto". (check Wikipedia ) That was always a c**p shoot. Sometimes they'd have smeared handprints if the teacher had difficulty with the machine. How they worked is still a mystery to me. We never saw the mystical machine. But we heard a lot of complaints.

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#57

I Bought So Much Mcdonalds

I Bought So Much Mcdonalds

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Sky Render
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a difference having to pay for your housing, food and utilities makes.

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#58

I Was Bored

I Was Bored

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Bobby
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For me(the dad) it's usually along the lines of your point is valid, but not relevant to this discussion.i would be happy to address that after we resolve this current issue. I even tell him that's my failing, but I can't carry on a conversation and stay calm if we keep adding more talking points before we address the ones already on the table

#59

Throwback To When My Identical Twin And I Switched Photos During Our Graduating Year

Throwback To When My Identical Twin And I Switched Photos During Our Graduating Year

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#60

They Undercover Spies

They Undercover Spies

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ElfVibratorGlitter
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was once pulled out of class because a fellow student was worried because I wasn't eating. School counselor basically told me she was only following up because she had to. I *obviously* didn't have an eating disorder. 😡 I'm so sorry Joellen for being a turd to you after that. You were probably the only person who cared. I had an active eating disorder until 2 years ago.

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#63

Because It Isn't Touchscreen

Because It Isn't Touchscreen

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#65

Really Ms. Benson, It’s Not That Hard

Really Ms. Benson, It’s Not That Hard

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#66

Me Smart I Am

Me Smart I Am

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#67

I Think We Can All Relate To This

I Think We Can All Relate To This

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Mark
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Oh, you should swing by our house, I have something to give you"

#68

This Is How I Wrapped My Dad’s Present. It’s A Coat

This Is How I Wrapped My Dad’s Present. It’s A Coat

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#69

My Friend Is Taking Notes In Minecraft

My Friend Is Taking Notes In Minecraft

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Mark
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The notes are in Hungarian, they say Csokonai (A poet) --> knights of dreams (probably a poem) --> Stands against death, Expressions with opposing meaning, construction

#70

I Sacrificed A Deck Of Uno To Make This

I Sacrificed A Deck Of Uno To Make This

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#71

Thanks To Video Lessons We Wish Even More

Thanks To Video Lessons We Wish Even More

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Fire Singer
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I graduated high school in 2002 and when I was in school (back in my day you yungins!) it was FAR less stressful than what ya'll deal with now. Listening to my nieces and nephews talk about all the stuff they have to do compared to what I did is nuts. I do not envy kids nowadays.

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#75

While 1==1: Level=level +1 Print(Level)

While 1==1: Level=level +1 Print(Level)

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Bobby
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The auto formatting of the title leads to code that doesn't function as intended

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