I would argue a 25 year old is still a kid too. I know every 20 something would vehemently disagree which is kind of proof in and of itself. I don't mean it in a disrespectful manner.
The true sign of a 20-something is thinking they know everything because they have the book learning fresh outta school. But having 20 years on the job experience teaches you so so many more things that is never so much taught as, ahem, experienced.
Young people between the ages of 18 and 23 are not generally doing knowledge work, they're working in cafes and bars where 1 year of experience can be as effective as 20. People between these ages should be entitled to the same minimum wage.
In knowledge work, of course 20 years of experience is much more valuable than none.
Some of that is pleasant as it means people can enjoy child-like comfort for longer, but too much of it seems like it would have adverse effects.
This sincere befuddlement that a 20-something has the same experience is just bizarre to me coming from anyone that's not a 20-something. Sure, there's some talented 20-somethings, but that's true of any generation. I was a 20-something at one point long ago myself, and I too fought these things and constantly had my "experience" and "opinions" qualified with someone that undeniably had experience. It was truly frustrating, but also a bit of "told ya" when they'd come back and say I was correct. It's an age old growing pain. Why is this being questioned I have no idea. Yes, you will meet qualified 20-somethings, but you will inevitably meet many many more of them faking it till they make it but ultimately prove their inexperience.