With the influence of US Media and hit shows like ‘My Super Sweet 16’, 16th birthdays have become more of a big deal in the UK over the last 20 years or so. In 2009, UK versions of the show were released but it wasn’t nearly as big of a hit as its American counterpart.
Aimed at teenage girls, shows like this have made 16th birthdays more important to girls of that age group. However, it seems that the same can’t be said for boys. Less influenced by these shows, boys turning 16 are far less bothered and are likely to request less extravagant celebrations.
But there are other reasons why turning 16 is a big deal in the UK.
Last Real School Year
In the UK, we complete primary school (age 4 to 11) and then secondary school (age 11 to 16). After secondary school, we start making plans for careers, which could mean moving on to college to complete an apprenticeship or moving to to A Levels, with a plan to go to university.
Either way, at age 16, students are experiencing their last ‘real’ year of schooling, where they are likely to have to wear a uniform and are treated like a kid at school. Teachers are already telling them that they’ll need to improve behavior before they go to the next year, and we can all guarantee they’re only half listening!
Legally Allowed To Have Sex
In the UK, the legal age someone can consent to have sex is age 16. While many teenagers don’t have their first sexual experience until much later, you can guarantee they are all talking about it. Additionally, schools will start teaching more heavily about sex education, using protection and STDs.
Developmental Milestones
Teenage girls, in particular, are starting to come out of the hormone filled horror of early teen-hood. They’re used to their periods, their hormones are settling down and they are really starting to understand who they are outside of the family. This also means they are getting better at controlling their emotions and communicating really clearly, both with friends and family.
However, as discussed by Dr Rome on Very Well Family, “The ability to foresee consequences is not completely hardwired at this age”. There’s an element of letting girls age 16 face the consequences of their actions in order to learn, but it’s important they know they have a safe space to fall when they make a mistake.
The great additional developmental milestone at this age is that 16 year olds are able to communicate the rationale behind their thoughts and decisions. So even if they are making decisions you don’t agree with, you can discuss the thought processes behind them.
At this age, sixteen year old girls and boys are really starting to grow and cement their friend groups – and these are people that may be their friends for the rest of their lives! So it’s likely that teenagers will want to throw a party for their 16th birthday to celebrate the event, and to spend more time with their friends outside of school.
What Do You Buy For A 16th Birthday?
Sweet 16 birthdays are particularly important for teenage girls, so it’s important that you buy them something which means something, like keepsake jewellery. 16 year olds don’t want toys, they want to look cool in front of their friends, so a cute pair of earrings or a gold plated necklace really is the best gift.
If you’re not sure what to buy, shop our collection of jewellery for 16 year old girls! It’s all tried and tested, and we gift wrap for free!
SHOP JEWELLERY GIFTS FOR 16 YEAR OLD GIRLS
