> If we protect them from making difficult decisions when they're 12, they'll be forced to learn to make difficult decisions when they're 18 or 21 or 22, when bad decisions have MUCH worse consequences.

But, when they are 18, 21, etc., they will have developed more mentally and emotionally, and should (should) be better equipped to make those decisions than when one is 12.

(note: in this post I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with the topic at hand, just providing a counterpoint to what you said)

Development that has been stunted by forcing a child down one path without critical thinking and active decision-making on their part will _not_ result in an adult equipped to make difficult decisions.