Pnewsology

The week’s news with a dash of psychology!

Jane Ogden (Professor in Health Psychology, Emeritus; email janeogden509@gmail.com; based on a conversation with Lucy Ambache at Radio Surrey; 8.40 am 19/06/2026)

Week ending 19/06/2026

All opinions are those of Jane Ogden

This week has been a mixed bag of news but with much of it raising the thorny question of how old is old enough? And when is too old?

Today the results came through of the Makerfield by election with Andy Burnham winning with a comfortable majority of over 9000 votes. He beat Reform easily! But when are we old enough to vote and take such responsibility? At the moment its stuck at 18 but many are pushing for 16.  Younger people voting could mean we educate them at school about politics and encourage them to vote throughout their lives?  It could mean the government no longer just reflects the views of the grey pound who are more likely to turn up on election day? Or it could mean that people who don’t have a clue get a vote? (and it probably means this anyway!).

We also heard about the introduction of a social media ban for the under 16s limiting their access to popular sites such as Tic Tok and Instagram. I thought this was a great idea until I read about young musicians, writers and artists who would see their following massively reduced.  As a grey pounder it seems I was out of touch with what social media is used for!

Then we read that Prince George was being sent off to board at Eton at 13.  That seems very young to be living away from home!  How will his parents support him if he is lonely, bullied or just wants cuddle?

And we heard of the massive success of the HPV vaccination which has now reduced the risk of cervical cancer in 20-24 year olds to zero! Wow!  This is given to 12-13 year old girls who can catch the virus through sex or close skin to skin contact reminding us that the age of consent for sex is 16.

And many of us are watching with men’s World cup with tentative optimism – did you know the youngest men to play for England were Walcott (16), Rooney (17) and Owen (18).

So how old is old enough? There’s a lot of responsibility in voting, doom scrolling on your phone, leaving home, having sex and representing your country. There’s also the additional rules around driving, alcohol, smoking and vaping.  It’s a tricky one! People clearly develop at different rates and some need protected more than others and some behaviours are riskier than others.  But how do we decide when someone is an adult?

And can someone stop being an ‘adult’ with all the benefits that brings? What about the other end of the spectrum?  I’d hate to be accused of ageism but watching Trump turn 80 with a cage fighting spectacle on his front lawn.  Seriously?  We are run by old (mostly) men who seem to be making an absolute mess of the world whilst we prevent young people having the chance to change it.