At what Piaget stage are children typically able to think abstractly?

Children typically enter the stage of formal operations around the age of 12 and onward, which marks the ability to think abstractly and engage in logical reasoning that is not solely tied to concrete experiences or objects. In this stage, they can understand hypothetical situations, use deductive reasoning, and systematically solve problems. This capacity for abstract thought allows them to consider possibilities beyond their immediate reality and think about concepts such as justice, morality, and theoretical constructs, which are not directly observable or tangible. This is a significant developmental leap from earlier stages, where thinking is more concrete and based on hands-on experiences or recognizable events.