How are "children" defined according to federal regulations?

The definition of "children" according to federal regulations is specifically tied to the concept of the legal age of consent. This refers to individuals who have not yet reached the age at which they can legally consent to various forms of legal agreements, activities, or relationships. This definition can vary by jurisdiction, making it important to acknowledge that "children" in this context are those who have yet to attain the legal age of consent recognized in their specific location.

Utilizing "the legal age of consent" provides a flexible framework that can adapt to the different laws across states or countries, as the age at which an individual can consent legally may differ. This definition emphasizes the rights and protections afforded to younger individuals, acknowledging that they may not be capable of making fully informed decisions in various circumstances.

In contrast, the other options provided are either too broad or do not accurately capture the nuances involved in defining "children" under federal regulations. For instance, simply stating that children are those under 18 may not be adequate since variations in legal age can exist. Similarly, mentioning minors under the age of consent fails to explicate that the age of consent itself can differ across jurisdictions. Lastly, stating that children are individuals who cannot make legal decisions does not consider the age-related distinctions