How is 'youth' best defined?

The definition of 'youth' as a transition from childhood to adulthood with various life events captures the complexities and nuances of this stage in life. Youth encompasses the developmental changes and experiences that occur during this period, including physical, emotional, and social transformations. It is characterized by a range of life events, such as beginning high school or college, exploring independence, forming identities, and developing relationships, all of which are crucial to the transition to adulthood.

This definition acknowledges that youth is not limited to a specific age or solely focused on education and does not frame it merely in terms of legal or financial independence. Understanding youth in this context allows for a more comprehensive view of the developmental milestones and challenges faced during these formative years. The other options either narrow the focus too much or miss the essential aspects of youth as a dynamic and multifaceted phase of life.