Teenagers are people too! - Their role in our societies!...

In the last 100 years, we have seen the "enfranchisement" of millions of people, who have, for thousands of years, prior to the 20th Century, NOT HAD ANY SAY WHATSOEVER nor any right to contribute to decision-making!

EVEN in countries which are considered relatively "liberal" - women, certain races, certain religions - all have been traditionally been unfairly excluded from what is now by and large considered to be a fundamental right - that is: 

The right to contribute to decision-making in society through the democratic vote (aka: "Universal Suffrage"). 

In some instances we have seen the "age of majority" lowered from 21 to 18 in terms of capacity to qualify for the right to vote. 

I think that there can be no argument that the more inclusive societies have become in this respect, the more significant improvements have been in way they are run or managed......additionally, the overall positives have outweighed any arguments regarding the overall negative.

........More recently, there has been increasing focus on the rights of younger people.....that is to say.....person's under the age of 18, but who are old and mature enough to make very significant contributions - in terms of suggestions, ideas and forms of productive participation for teenagers in the functionality of greater society.

The arguments in favour of this position are unquestionable - one such argument being that "greater ownership" will not only increase greater attachment of value for and adherence to society's systems by soon-to-be adults, BUT it will also decrease the general malaise that is inherent in a group which otherwise feels that it has no ability nor power whatsoever to make any form of useful contribution to 
what happens in relation to decision-making on our societies.

Do you agree with these suggestions/arguments/perspectives and how can we improve on the values that young men and women around the world have with respect to society and taking up responsibility as part and parcel of their 'growing-up' process?