Happy 17th birthday! Turning 17 is a big milestone. It’s your last year before becoming an adult, and there’s actually a lot you can do at this age. You might be surprised by how many new freedoms come with turning 17, like watching rated R movies or playing rated M video games. In this article, we’ll go over all the things you can do now that you’re 17.
What Can You Do When You Turn 17?
1. Watch R-Rated Movies
If your teen has ever been frustrated by needing a chaperone to see a movie, congratulations! The Motion Picture Association of America determines movies that are R-rated, or Restricted, must require a parent or legal guardian for those under age 17 when viewed at a movie theatre. One of the privileges of reaching the age of 17 is being able to view R rated movies without a parent or guardian present.
2. Play Video Games Rated M
In 1994, the video game rating system was introduced. At the top of the rating system, was the “M for Mature” rating. In order to purchase and play these games, you have to be 17 years old. When you turn 17, you can go out and buy games that are rated M.
3. Get a Helicopter License
Everyone knows you can get your driver’s license in the US when you turn 16, but few know you can get a helicopter license on year later! Turning 17 is just one of the requirements to fly a helicopter. FAA medical certificate, finishing ground school, logging a minimum amount of flight time, and passing an exam are other requirements.
4. Donate Blood
According to the American Red Cross, in most states, 17-year-olds can donate blood. However, some states require parental consent. There are some requirements with respect to minimum weight and health, but donating blood is a wonderful way to save a person’s life. In fact, donating blood can actually save multiple lives.
5. Work More Hours at a Summer Job
17-year-olds might want to work more at their summer jobs. The good news is, they can! While many people start working at younger ages, their hours are likely limited. According to the Department of Labor, 17-year-olds may be employed for unlimited hours in any occupation other than those declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor.
6. Apply for a Passport Without Parent Present
Parental consent is required, but a 17-year-old can apply for a passport without a parent being present. Documents are required, and the teen should be ready to show evidence that shows the parent/guardian knows that the teen is seeking a passport.
7. Be Interviewed by the Police
On the darker side of things, 17-year-olds can be interviewed by the police without a parent being present. Of course, the right to remain silent applies. Criminal investigations are a serious matter. Which leads us to our next point.
8. Be Charged as an Adult for a Crime
This, of course, isn’t something anyone wants to add to their list of life experiences. Age 18 is the “age of majority” when a person is legally an adult, but courts will often pursue prosecuting an accused 17-year-old as an adult if the accusation is a violent crime. So, if your teen is headed down the wrong path in life, now is the time for him or her to change directions.
9. Enlist in the Army
If your teen wants to serve in the military, he or she may be able to start the process of enlistment at age 17. Talking to a recruiter is one of the first steps to get started if your teen has decided that the Army is the path he or she wants to take.
10. No Longer Be Seen as a Child
While parents will always see their child as a child, the world has a different view. At 17, a teen is transitioning into adulthood. While you’re legally an adult at 18, many will already see you as an adult when you turn 17.
11. Start Applying to Colleges
Now’s the time to start looking into options for trade school, college, or other education, or even thinking about a gap year. Most college applicants are around 17 years old, in order to receive their acceptances by the time they finish high school.
12. Make Money Reselling Online
With parental permission, 17-year-olds can create an account on Poshmark. So if you’re looking to make some extra cash selling clothes online, now you can!
13. Open a Bank Account
While it may vary from one bank to another, 17-year-olds can have their own bank accounts and many banks with parental consent. Just look for accounts that say youth account, minor account, or teen account. Many banks allow 13 year olds to open child accounts under their paren’t bank account, but some banks allow 17 year olds to open checking accounts all on their own.
14. Register to Vote – and Possibly Vote
When you’re 17 years old, you can register to vote. And, depending on where you live, you might actually be able to vote in a primary election if you are 17 and about to be 18 when the general election happens.
15. Relationships: It’s Complicated
At age 17, teens are discovering who they are. It’s important for parents to have honest conversations and help their teens avoid any situations where another person may be abusing them or harming them. Which brings us to our next point.
16. Yes, 17-Year-Olds Can Get Married
You’ll need to check your local laws. But it’s true: with parental permission, a 17-year-old can get married. However, we don’t advise that.
17. Enjoy Life Now
Enjoy life now, because it will go by fast. If you just turned 17, it’s the perfect time to enjoy life, because a year from now, you’ll be 18, and the world will view you as a legal adult. This is your last year to enjoy being a minor.
Is 17 Considered a Kid or Adult?
When you’re 17 years old, you’re still legally a minor. It’s an in-between age where you might get more freedom and responsibility. You’re learning to make your own choices and preparing for what’s next. Once you turn 18, you’ll be considered an adult. That means you can vote, sign legal papers, and do things without needing a parent’s permission. But for now, being 17 is about enjoying this last year before adulthood and all the big changes that come with it.
Final Thoughts on Turning 17
Turning 17 is an exciting time! There’s no other time in life like it. You can help your teen savor the fun moments, while carefully maturing and taking on more responsibilities. Being 17 is more serious than being 16, and it’s definitely more carefree than being 18. By making smart choices, teens can enjoy their lives and their newfound freedoms.