In Jain Dharma, renunciation (vairagya, pravrajya) is a deeply personal choice that flows from right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct—the three jewels on the path to liberation. Age or worldly experience by itself does not decide the validity or depth of renunciation; what matters is the inner conviction and understanding of samsara (the cycle of birth and death) and the goal of attaining keval-jnan and end of suffering.

Key points to consider:

• Education and worldly exposure can actually strengthen renunciation. A person who has seen the world and understood the nature of samsara may renounce with a clear, informed resolve rather than out of impulse or fear.
• The essential foundation is samyak jnana (right knowledge) and samyak darshan (right faith) about the impermanent nature of worldly pleasures and the pursuit of liberation.
• Renunciation is not just giving up possessions; it includes ethical conduct, non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, celibacy, and non-attachment.
• Guardians, teachers, and elders should ensure that such a decision is voluntary, informed, and made without coercion. The safety and well-being of the child must be protected, and the choice should align with genuine spiritual understanding, not social pressure.

Different Jain traditions on practice:

• Digambara and Śvetāmbara both aim for liberation, but there are differences in monastic conduct and attire. These differences are about how renunciation is practiced, not about the ultimate goal of liberation.
• Both traditions emphasize a path of purification and self-discipline; the core aim remains non-violence, truth, and gradual purification rather than self-will or spectacle.

If you’re exploring this thoughtfully for a young person, focus on:

• Whether the renunciation stems from a clear grasp of Jain teachings about samsara and liberation.
• The support system: guidance from a qualified Jain guru or sangh, and care for the individual’s safety and well-being.
• The compatibility of such a life with ongoing spiritual development, study of scriptures, and adherence to Jain ethics.

Note: If you’d like, I can share concise clarifications of key Jain suttas or stotras on renunciation and the path to liberation, framed according to Digambara and Śvetāmbara understandings.