As Deutsche Welle notes, in addition to parental authority and teachers' advice, «age-related» issues in Germany are regulated by legislation. The «Youth Protection Law» (Jugendschutzgesetz) clearly specifies when and what is allowed upon reaching so-called «partial legal capacity» (starting at age 14), and when one must wait until full adulthood (i.e., 18 years old).
A classic case. A daughter is 14. Her skirt is getting shorter, the artificial holes in her jeans are getting bigger, the mascara on her lashes is getting thicker. With eyelashes, which the school rules do not forbid painting, and torn jeans (but torn at the knees), one has to come to terms. But too short skirts and trendy, ultra-short tight shorts are forbidden to wear to school – as are too transparent blouses and tops with a deep neckline. Those who come to school like that are usually not sent home, but are strongly asked to wrap themselves in a large scarf (such are usually kept in the teachers' lounge).
A year ago, one well-known German feminist raised a scandal over these restrictions: allegedly, they infringe on teenagers' freedom. Among those who opposed these restrictions were some who claimed that the overly «erotic» appearance of young schoolgirls in Germany started to embarrass school authorities only recently, because they are supposedly bowing to the children of Muslim refugees.
That is not true. The school charters were formulated long ago. Moreover, there are no uncompromisingly strict prohibitions in them. In German schools, for example, tattoos or piercings are not absolutely forbidden, although they are viewed critically here, considered «frivolous bodily mutilations».
The law on piercing says nothing at all – unlike visiting discos, bars and casinos. They are only allowed to be visited from the age of 18. But there are exceptions. Those who have already turned 15 can dance until midnight without any problem, if accompanied by an adult companion (parent, male or female friend).
Selling alcohol and cigarettes to minors in Germany is strictly forbidden. Drinking and smoking are, of course, also prohibited. Despite strict laws providing for substantial fines and even closure of shops and kiosks, it is believed that alcohol is still too accessible to many German teenagers, and they start smoking at 13-14. More precisely, they try smoking at that age, because by the age of 18-20 the percentage of smokers among German youth, fortunately, decreases.
Sex is another important topic. According to the «Youth Protection Law», it should become relevant no earlier than when teenagers reach the age of 14. Before 14, it is forbidden fruit.
There is also an age limit for the partner of a minor teenager: the partner must be no older than 21. A special paragraph on the «age limit» protecting teenagers from adult harassment also legalizes this. But those over 16 are allowed to have sexual relations with an adult partner of any age.
The degree of maturation also determines the degree of responsibility: you can get a driver's license in Germany starting at the age of 16 – but only for a moped or scooter that «reaches a speed of up to 80 kilometers per hour». At 17 you can already get a «full» driver's license, although you are still only allowed to drive accompanied by an adult driver with at least five years of driving experience. Only after 18 can you drive a car completely independently.
Many German teenagers work part-time. That is the custom. You can gain valuable work experience and earn small sums that you can spend as you wish as early as 13-14 years old. But the place and nature of the work are strictly defined. Looking after little children, delivering newspapers, or helping pensioners with shopping is allowed for no more than two hours per day and no more than 20 days per year, and only during daytime.