I think any teenager between the age of 15-18 who is browsing forums in their spare time learning how to build, or learning about lasers tend to be the slightly more mature people in their age range. Purely because they're doing this rather than going out etc.
I hate to say it but I think sometimes teens more clever than they're given credit for, obviously they're exceptions to this, as there always is but in general the fear instilled on this forum to do with safety glasses etc. compelled me personally to be really careful when dealing with my first laser, a DX 200mW red, hopefully that goes for other people around the age range.
Now coming upto my 18th birthday, I find most people regardless of age between 15 right upto 50 are completely unaware of the dangers of high powered lasers until educated, I do think that most people under 15 tend to find the safety concept hard to grasp though, personally I think that's too young to own a laser.
Up to a point I think teens have to have freedom to learn for themselves, obviously we should try and be as cautious as possible when selling lasers to make sure they're a responsible person through previous posts or feedback.
From what I understand health and safety regulations 30 years ago were ALOT less then they are now, and there were dangers people probably didn't even take notice of, for example teachers taking kids out on a school trip now a days is a pain in the ass thanks to all the forms, insurance etc. they have to complete, back then I imagine it's just round them up and go out.
I guess what I'm trying to get at is that people are very up tight now a days about safety, I mean some parents don't even let their teens out of the house, so whilst I agree very young teens shouldn't be given the responsibility of dealing with their own safety around high powered lasers, MOST middle teens tend to be able to cope with the responsibility and it's just apart of growing up, make a mistake, learn from it don't do it again. I guess that can't really apply to eye sight though as you only get one chance. If parents are paying for lasers they should know the maturity level of their kids, and if they're mature enough to read around the forum, make well written posts and read a little they'll soon learn how dangerous lasers can be, I think it changes from person to person but I handed one of my green lasers to a 40 year old and he started flashing the laser all over the place not realising the damage it can do, so age isn't always an indicator as to them realising safety issues unless it's pointed out, I think that under the age of 15 though, UNDERSTANDING dangers and safety advice and completely dismissing it can become an issue.
Well that was a stupidly long post not really making any point at all, I just wanted to express a few opinions
