Why you should read this article:

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To enhance your awareness of adultification and which groups are most at risk of it

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To understand the risk factors and harmful effects associated with adultification

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To identify strategies that you could use in your practice to prevent adultification

Adultification, whereby children and young people are perceived as older or more mature than they actually are, disproportionately affects those from minority ethnic backgrounds. It can also occur in other contexts, for example when children and young people are placed in a position of adult responsibility. Nurses have a duty to support and protect children and young people, which includes protecting them from adultification and the negative effects it can have on health and well-being. This article discusses strategies nurses can use to prevent adultification – such as developing awareness, avoiding adultifying language and listening to children and young people – and actions to take when suspecting adultification from colleagues.