Should the drinking age be lowered?

[Paige Elizabeth]

I personally think the drinking age should be lowered. If people wanna drink irresponsibly, that's their choice. In majority of the countries, especially Europe, kids are allowed to drink at any age(according to my friend who lives there) the only age restriction is the age to purchase alcohol.

The only reason for many drunk accidents happen in the USA, IMO, is because everyone thinks drinking as a teen is so bad, so when someone becomes of age, they think "Oh, I've been waiting 21 years for this. Drink away." Comparing us to Europe, the drinking amount is so irresponsible. Just sayin'.

[Dundun99]

i think it should be 16 or 18

[kylem1229]

NO...if they had to, 18 at the LEAST. Also its the same around here, you can drink alcohol at any age (If your parents allow you to when at home, but they have to buy it for you, etc.). But definitely not lowering it...that would be one the worst things ever (Imagine, from my view as a police explorer, the amount of DUI'S i would be arresting every day)

[TheBigUnit]

Yes please :whoops::whoops::whoops:

[Cygnus]

So just because a friend of your said that where he/she lives there aren't drinking restrictions it means that in all of Europe one can drink at any age? I am sorry but that is wrong. I disagree with the drinking age being lowered, since it might at least prevent a few underage people from drinking and getting harmed, just that few people saved is worth it.

[LouBerry]

Hell no. Kids do enough stupid shit. I don't think alcohol should even be legal, but if humans must act a fool, they should wait until they're old enough to make logically decisions.

Think about all the additional car accidents that would occur. Sure, it probably wouldn't go up much, maybe an additional one or two percent, but even that is way too much.

Oh, and lets not forget that sure, kids drink. But, they don't do it all the time, like some adults do. Having a generation of 15-18 year old alcoholics sounds horrible to me. Kids would be failing out of school, fucking up their relationships, dying.

Again, I know they do these things anyway, but if the restriction was gone, or lowered, they would happen more, and that's idiotic.

Also, as for that little gem about, "Oh, I've been waiting 21 years for this" or whatever. No. So much no. Do you think that if they lowered the age restriction that it wouldn't be,
"Oh I've been waiting for this for 18 years" or seventeen or sixteen or whatever you are desiring. Because it would.

[Jess]

No way. When you're 18 your brain is still developing. It's a very bad idea and I agree with LouBerry; so many problems will occur.

[Dundun99]

no!!!!!!!!!

[Paige Elizabeth]

NO...if they had to, 18 at the LEAST. Also its the same around here, you can drink alcohol at any age (If your parents allow you to when at home, but they have to buy it for you, etc.). But definitely not lowering it...that would be one the worst things ever (Imagine, from my view as a police explorer, the amount of DUI'S i would be arresting every day)

Hell no. Kids do enough stupid shit. I don't think alcohol should even be legal, but if humans must act a fool, they should wait until they're old enough to make logically decisions.

Think about all the additional car accidents that would occur. Sure, it probably wouldn't go up much, maybe an additional one or two percent, but even that is way too much.

Oh, and lets not forget that sure, kids drink. But, they don't do it all the time, like some adults do. Having a generation of 15-18 year old alcoholics sounds horrible to me. Kids would be failing out of school, fucking up their relationships, dying.

Again, I know they do these things anyway, but if the restriction was gone, or lowered, they would happen more, and that's idiotic.

Also, as for that little gem about, "Oh, I've been waiting 21 years for this" or whatever. No. So much no. Do you think that if they lowered the age restriction that it wouldn't be,
"Oh I've been waiting for this for 18 years" or seventeen or sixteen or whatever you are desiring. Because it would.

No way. When you're 18 your brain is still developing. It's a very bad idea and I agree with LouBerry; so many problems will occur.



That's why I said America is so irresponsible and immature compared to most of Europe. Europe has 8,724 deaths(on average) a year related to alcohol, and the United States 70,000(on average). Most of the rest of the world is raised with alcohol in the family and taught how to drink in moderation. If the US would stop freaking about teens drinking in moderation, then there wouldn't be a problem. No one teaches our teens how to be responsible because people are always there to bail them out of whatever mess they get into.

[britishboy]

the law is 18 to buy but with parents permission any age can consume it here

[PinkFloyd]

Hell no. Kids do enough stupid shit. I don't think alcohol should even be legal, but if humans must act a fool, they should wait until they're old enough to make logically decisions.

Think about all the additional car accidents that would occur. Sure, it probably wouldn't go up much, maybe an additional one or two percent, but even that is way too much.

Oh, and lets not forget that sure, kids drink. But, they don't do it all the time, like some adults do. Having a generation of 15-18 year old alcoholics sounds horrible to me. Kids would be failing out of school, fucking up their relationships, dying.

Again, I know they do these things anyway, but if the restriction was gone, or lowered, they would happen more, and that's idiotic.

Also, as for that little gem about, "Oh, I've been waiting 21 years for this" or whatever. No. So much no. Do you think that if they lowered the age restriction that it wouldn't be,
"Oh I've been waiting for this for 18 years" or seventeen or sixteen or whatever you are desiring. Because it would.

I totally agree with you here. I'm already a dumbass teenager. Mixing in alcohol would be rely bad.

[LouBerry]

That's why I said America is so irresponsible and immature compared to most of Europe. Europe has 8,724 deaths(on average) a year related to alcohol, and the United States 70,000(on average). Most of the rest of the world is raised with alcohol in the family and taught how to drink in moderation. If the US would stop freaking about teens drinking in moderation, then there wouldn't be a problem. No one teaches our teens how to be responsible because people are always there to bail them out of whatever mess they get into.

If there is one death that could be prevented by that not happening, that's enough reason for me.

Why are you so sure that has anything to do with America's drinking problem? I don't think it's the age restriction at all. I think it's the glorification of it. Why are other countries not having issues with that? Because they don't give a fuck about it. They don't care about it, so it's not "cool". I don't know anyone who would drink for fun if it was just ordinary and not the big thing to do on weekends.

Oh, and okay, I can kind of see what you're getting at, but why don't parents just teach their children now how to drink in moderation? Why can't parents just be like, okay, this isn't a bad thing, but it's against the law and these bad things could happen if you do it before a certain age, so if you have any questions we can talk about it. It's that damn easy.

[Vlerchan]

Ireland has some of the highest underage drinking rates in Europe. I know that arguing from experience is bad but here, where most have been drinking since at least sixteen, we have none - or very few occurrences, anyway - of these problems: "failing out of school, fucking up their relationships, dying." I'll admit that several lads running up high weed and coke debts (which is unrelated to the actual usage itself) has led to failing relationships - and a guy in my history class who'd managed a tidy cocaine habit did fail out, but honestly to claim that alcohol causes such - on a medium to large scale - is a gross exaggeration. I'm perfectly fine with the current age - 18 - here, anyway. I don't see the point in lowering it - it wouldn't affect anything, really; maybe the age in which you can gain entry to a bar but that's it.

If the US would stop freaking about teens drinking in moderation [...]
Moderation tends to go out the window in casual drinking sessions. Preach sensible and responsible drinking all you want, but I've never attended a party without a handful of people ending up sick at the end. The freaking out is justified. In Ireland the government spends as much on caring for those with alcohol related diseases than it takes in through excise duty on alcohol.

Also, have you ever thought that perhaps America has a higher rate of death amongst alcohol abusers not because their population is more 'immature' but rather it doesn't have the universal healthcare system that's prevalent in Europe?

[Paige Elizabeth]

Oh, and okay, I can kind of see what you're getting at, but why don't parents just teach their children now how to drink in moderation? Why can't parents just be like, okay, this isn't a bad thing, but it's against the law and these bad things could happen if you do it before a certain age, so if you have any questions we can talk about it. It's that damn easy.

Parents don't do that because they think their child should be able to do whatever they want. I've had first hand experience with this. Majority of the parents(I've come in contact with) think that their child is perfect, doesn't do anything wrong, and should be able to do what they want without getting in any trouble or repercussions. It's just how most of America is in my opinion.

[LouBerry]

Parents don't do that because they think their child should be able to do whatever they want. I've had first hand experience with this. Majority of the parents(I've come in contact with) think that their child is perfect, doesn't do anything wrong, and should be able to do what they want without getting in any trouble or repercussions. It's just how most of America is in my opinion.

Well, in that case, it is really nessicarily to have dumb ass parents AND dumb ass drunk kids? I don't think so.

[teen.jpg]

What would we be getting out of doing this?

[LouBerry]

What would we be getting out of doing this?

More drunk idiots, but now they're in high school instead of the real world.

[teen.jpg]

More drunk idiots, but now they're in high school instead of the real world.

Sounds like a great idea.

[LouBerry]

Sounds like a great idea.

Right? Someone call Congress, this needs to become a Bill stat.
But seriously, I can see so many bad things coming from that.

[ClaireS]

The legal age here in Uruguay for buying alcohol is 18, but you can drink all you want even if you're younger, you won't get arrested for being drunk. I think the law around here is fine actually.

[johndoe1112]

14 in the usa

[Jess]

14 in the usa

No way that is too young. Alcohol is already bad for you in general, and at 14 your brain is DEFINITELY still developing. It doesn't stop at 18. 14 is way too young.

[Abyssal Echo]

I have to agree with Jess and Lou lowering the drinking age would be a bad thing.
if just 1 life is saved its worth keeping 21 as the legal drinking age.

[johndoe1112]

that bullshit go to ireland and you can drink as long as you can see over the counter and there is not many drinking related deaths there same goes for italy

[Sugaree]

14 in the usa

LOL! Just leave.

Back on topic now: Why are you all vilifying alcohol here? You're worst than the Prohibitionists of the early 20th century. You all act as if anyone OVER 21 has never gotten into a drunk driving accident or has lost their lives due to drunk driving (either because they were drunk and driving or were passengers of the drunk driver or were struck by a drunk driver).

More than anything, we need to stop this vilification of alcohol in this country. The bullshit we push into young kids, as young as six or seven at the very least, that alcohol is just all around BAD is wrong. It's not bad to have a few drinks, and it's not bad to go have fun and get drunk now and then. It turns bad when you decide to do stupid shit when you're drunk, like driving. THAT is what we need to be teaching. Not this scare tactic of needing to avoid ALL alcohol like it's some sort of devil's juice.

I'm in no way advocating for the obvious 14 year old I quoted to go out and start drinking. I had a bad drinking habit when I was 15 and I stopped. It was pretty harmful. I know alcohol can do some pretty bad shit to you, but god damn guys, don't act like you know it all. Do any of you KNOW what beer or wine smells like? Without looking it up on Wikipedia? Do you know what it feels like to sneak back into your house, drunk as hell, at 3 AM trying to sober up so you can face the day so your parents don't suspect a thing?

Unless you really speak from experience, you shouldn't be vilifying alcohol. I can speak from experience and I'm not vilifying it, nor am I commending it. I still have a glass of wine during the holidays when we have nice dinners, but that's because it's in moderation. It's my firm belief that the drinking age should be lowered to 19. I believe most people, by this age, are mature enough to make their own decisions. 19 is a good point between the ages of 18 and 21, which are both legal benefiting ages.

My overall point: don't vilify something you have no experience with. More so, don't be a hysteric. You all sound like old croons. "Oh no, we can't let them do that, all the underaged people will start drinking then!" NEWS FLASH PEOPLE: Underage people already drink! I could drink at 15 just like I can drink right fucking now. In fact, I'm drinking a glass of Captain Morgan and Coca-Cola right now. So what's really stopping me? The drink is in my home. I'm allowed to do whatever I want in my private property. What are YOU gonna do about it? Sue me? Acting like underage people don't already drink is just flat out denial of a major problem. The longer you hold something away from a person, the more they want it. Same goes for outlawed drugs.

[johndoe1112]

LOL! Just leave.

Back on topic now: Why are you all vilifying alcohol here? You're worst than the Prohibitionists of the early 20th century. You all act as if anyone OVER 21 has never gotten into a drunk driving accident or has lost their lives due to drunk driving (either because they were drunk and driving or were passengers of the drunk driver or were struck by a drunk driver).

More than anything, we need to stop this vilification of alcohol in this country. The bullshit we push into young kids, as young as six or seven at the very least, that alcohol is just all around BAD is wrong. It's not bad to have a few drinks, and it's not bad to go have fun and get drunk now and then. It turns bad when you decide to do stupid shit when you're drunk, like driving. THAT is what we need to be teaching. Not this scare tactic of needing to avoid ALL alcohol like it's some sort of devil's juice.

I'm in no way advocating for the obvious 14 year old I quoted to go out and start drinking. I had a bad drinking habit when I was 15 and I stopped. It was pretty harmful. I know alcohol can do some pretty bad shit to you, but god damn guys, don't act like you know it all. Do any of you KNOW what beer or wine smells like? Without looking it up on Wikipedia? Do you know what it feels like to sneak back into your house, drunk as hell, at 3 AM trying to sober up so you can face the day so your parents don't suspect a thing?

Unless you really speak from experience, you shouldn't be vilifying alcohol. I can speak from experience and I'm not vilifying it, nor am I commending it. I still have a glass of wine during the holidays when we have nice dinners, but that's because it's in moderation. It's my firm belief that the drinking age should be lowered to 19. I believe most people, by this age, are mature enough to make their own decisions. 19 is a good point between the ages of 18 and 21, which are both legal benefiting ages.

My overall point: don't vilify something you have no experience with. More so, don't be a hysteric. You all sound like old croons. "Oh no, we can't let them do that, all the underaged people will start drinking then!" NEWS FLASH PEOPLE: Underage people already drink! I could drink at 15 just like I can drink right fucking now. In fact, I'm drinking a glass of Captain Morgan and Coca-Cola right now. So what's really stopping me? The drink is in my home. I'm allowed to do whatever I want in my private property. What are YOU gonna do about it? Sue me? Acting like underage people don't already drink is just flat out denial of a major problem. The longer you hold something away from a person, the more they want it. Same goes for outlawed drugs.

lol yeah my comment was a bit asinine but maybe 18 because im going to be in war for 8 years a few month out of my 18 birthday and i can go fend for my country but can't have a few beer legally at a bar with my family and you can smoke at 18 so why the fuck can't i drink

[tovaris]

Of course the age restriction is for buying alcohol since one cannot punish a minor. But giving minors alcohol is also illegal. Besides 18 is low enouth

[The Trendy Wolf]

More than anything, we need to stop this vilification of alcohol in this country. The bullshit we push into young kids, as young as six or seven at the very least, that alcohol is just all around BAD is wrong. It's not bad to have a few drinks, and it's not bad to go have fun and get drunk now and then.

My overall point: don't vilify something you have no experience with.

So you're saying that we shouldn't say that drugs are bad until you try them yourself? Yes, I'm sure that will go over well...

I, personally, don't ever want to drink alcohol even after I turn 21. Why? Because that's my choice, and I don't want to put anything into my body that can potentially ruin my life in one fatal swoop. I simply see no positive outcome that could come from drinking for myself.

[Sugaree]

So you're saying that we shouldn't say that drugs are bad until you try them yourself? Yes, I'm sure that will go over well...

If you've tried a drug or if you've seen the effects of that drug, then sure, feel free to say if it's bad or not. But you shouldn't go around preaching about things you know nothing about. It's like claiming that drinking water is bad when you've never had a bottle in your life.

[Stronk Serb]

Hurr durr, alcohol is bad, hurr durr! If you drink moderately, for example on special occassions, there is nothing bad. People should stop villifying alcohol and marijuana. None of them are bad when used in moderation, but are very bad in large puantities, like most things

[Sph2015]

Bottom line, the US will never lower their drinking age. While I know that this is all hypothetical, just saying it will NEVER happen. Even if it should.

In my opinion, we have it right. Studies show that by twenty one your brain can handle it, in moderation that is. It's only logical that that be the age you are legally allowed to consume it.

I think the issue lies with the parents. They need to teach kids responsibility with alcohol. Sounds easy, but it obviously isn't happening.

So we should lower the age because everyone is already doing it? Uh, no. That is one of my biggest pet peeves. How juvenile is that attitude? "Everyone else is doing it..." I personally think marijuana should be decriminalized, and that's for many reasons. Even after reading all the arguments here and everywhere else on the internet I see no reason for lowering the legal drinking age.

In my opinion, dealing with alcohol problems is the responsibility of our parents. While it may not be the best for some, welcome to America, where, in theory, we do what we want haha. Changing the age would literally solve nothing. The American attitude towards alcohol has not been developed from one age restriction, it's embedded in our culture.

[tovaris]

Hurr durr, alcohol is bad, hurr durr! If you drink moderately, for example on special occassions, there is nothing bad. People should stop villifying alcohol and marijuana. None of them are bad when used in moderation, but are very bad in large puantities, like most things

Yes bit stil if you give you averege 15 year old the oputunety to drink most of them will and do do it unmoderately that is the whole point of the drinking age being 18

[Tarannosaurus]

Personally I don't drink and never will however I don't think having a legal drinking age helps much. In Ireland there is a HUGE problem with underage binge drinking, binge drinking in people of all ages for that matter. It's not uncommon for people to drink until they pass out. I think the way it is in places like France is a good system. Children can drink, however they are only given a small bit of weak wine because young people's bodies can't deal with alcohol. People tend to have maybe a couple of glasses of wine there, whereas here people would generally have strong drink or maybe 5-6 cans of beer (probably more I don't know exactly). In Ireland there's the thrill of doing something illegal and at parties the people who can managed the most drink are seen as heroes. So I really don't think having the age set to 21 is going to help. Education needs to change, people need to be informed of the dangers. And think about it, isn't it better to have teenagers drinking a glass of wine at home rather than passing out from drunkenness in a stranger's house where anything can happen?

[satarra3180]

I think it would be a tough transition in this country but other countries function well with the drinking age 18...or 19 so I would be ok with this.

[Charlie48]

Wouldn't be too much of a problem if it was lowered to 16 though, should do a trial or something.

[britishboy]

if you cant drive a car at 16 you shouldnt drink

[sqishy]

I think 18 is fine. Anything below 16: NO.

[Amazerful]

I kinda don't care

[Human]

Having age limits does nothing but adds a taboo which increases the excitement.

[roadwarrior]

no.. drinking age must be still either 18 or 21, drinking alcohol can make your life worst when you are in younger age, you need some limitation...

[Stronk Serb]

Yes bit stil if you give you averege 15 year old the oputunety to drink most of them will and do do it unmoderately that is the whole point of the drinking age being 18

The drinking age should be 16, as far as I will go, but the age when you can purchase alcohol should be 18.

[tovaris]

The drinking age should be 16, as far as I will go, but the age when you can purchase alcohol should be 18.

Whel there are no law restrictions existing of when one can drink alcohol, are you sugesting to put one in place.

[Stardust]

It's 18 in Australia, and I think that is appropriate. I think once people are leaving school/going to college/university or into the workforce and moving out they are exposed to a whole new level of freedom which gives them ample opportunity to drink whether it is legal or not. So if its legal it means people don't have to necessarily resort to attending huge parties for opportunities to drink, they are able to go to bars/pubs and have a casual drink (I know they could just have a casual drink at their own place if its illegal, but to me that is less appealing). Theoretically, for the sake of argument, this could deter a lot of the stupid incidents that occur

[Korashk]

Whel there are no law restrictions existing of when one can drink alcohol, are you sugesting to put one in place.
There are in America.

[schoolgirlz]

Yea it should be lowered.

[ElijahMouth]

I think the age should not be nearly as high as it is in the US, but I do NOT believe that it should be changed instantaneously. In Europe, it has been that way for a long time, so people are naturally more responsible. If we changed it here almost every teenager would be getting drunk. As much as I want the age to be lowered, the consequences would be disastrous.

[Stronk Serb]

Whel there are no law restrictions existing of when one can drink alcohol, are you sugesting to put one in place.

There are restrictions in Serbia. Minors cannot own, drink or purchase alcohol.

[tovaris]

There are in America.

How can you have a law like that for minors? Legaly that makes no sense...

There are restrictions in Serbia. Minors cannot own, drink or purchase alcohol.

Realy? Are you sure the law doesn't prohibit alcohol being sold to minors?

[Stronk Serb]

Realy? Are you sure the law doesn't prohibit alcohol being sold to minors?

The law prohibits minors to purchase alcohol. The bad thing is that a lot of small shop owners ignore the law.

[tovaris]

The law prohibits minors to purchase alcohol. The bad thing is that a lot of small shop owners ignore the law.

I know, they sell bear or anything realy to whoever a ten year old comes in to buy 2l of bear for dad and not a single question is asked.

[Korashk]

How can you have a law like that for minors? Legaly that makes no sense...
What...? I don't understand your confusion.

[whatsgoinon53]

I personally think the drinking age should be lowered. If people wanna drink irresponsibly, that's their choice. In majority of the countries, especially Europe, kids are allowed to drink at any age(according to my friend who lives there) the only age restriction is the age to purchase alcohol.

The only reason for many drunk accidents happen in the USA, IMO, is because everyone thinks drinking as a teen is so bad, so when someone becomes of age, they think "Oh, I've been waiting 21 years for this. Drink away." Comparing us to Europe, the drinking amount is so irresponsible. Just sayin'.

Definitely not! Underage drinkers are causing enough trouble already! They are getting in trouble with the law and if the age is lowered they'll be in even more trouble. I don't think you should always rely on what people tell you, even if it's a friend. I researched the legal drinking age in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK and the average drinking age was 17.6 years old...sorry.

Personally, I think that most teenagers need a more positive "non-fuck all y'all-yolo" kind of lifestyle and that they should really know the damage of what they're doing to themselves before they do it!

[tovaris]

What...? I don't understand your confusion.

Since there is no law baning the posesion and dfinking of alcohol one cant pass a seperate law yust for minors...

[Vlerchan]

Snip.
Responsible drinking is important to stress - yeah, I agree with that - but it's impossible to enforce. Generations of Irish drinking culture isn't simply going to suddenly change because of education - which we already have through SPHE (1st - 3rd year.) I'm not disagreeing with you, just saying that educating the masses as to the dangers - which is already happening; alcohol is bad being the general message - isn't going to change much any time soon. The European (mainland) and American opinions towards alcohol consumption have been forged little-by-little over generations.

So if its legal it means people don't have to necessarily resort to attending huge parties for opportunities to drink, they are able to go to bars/pubs and have a casual drink (I know they could just have a casual drink at their own place if its illegal, but to me that is less appealing).
This. I largely drink on only two occasions 1) Parties. 2) Before Parties. I use these parties to get as drunk as I can because they're not all that frequent. In short: drinking is a novelty, and a novelty that I - and others - abuse. Killing the novelty would go a long way, I feel, in lessening the number of incidences of binge drinking - people certainly wouldn't have to hold so many needless parties as an excuse for others to drink, anyway.

[Korashk]

Since there is no law baning the posesion and dfinking of alcohol one cant pass a seperate law yust for minors...
...Yes they can. It's exactly what they did.

[tovaris]

...Yes they can. It's exactly what they did.

Strange...
That is discrimination...

[ImCoolBeans]

No way. When you're 18 your brain is still developing. It's a very bad idea and I agree with LouBerry; so many problems will occur.

Your brain isn't done developing until you're about 24-26. That doesn't mean we should raise it to 25 does it?

I think the drinking age should either be lowered or all of the other standards of "being an adult" should be raised to 21 with the drinking age. I think it's kind of unfair that you can be drafted to war if congress says so at the age of 18 but you can't legally buy a beer.

Strange...
That is discrimination...

That's discrimination? I don't think so. If that's discrimination then not allowing children to drive is also discrimination. Same with not allowing them to purchase real estate, book hotel rooms and apply for credit cards.

[tovaris]

Your brain isn't done developing until you're about 24-26. That doesn't mean we should raise it to 25 does it?

I think the drinking age should either be lowered or all of the other standards of "being an adult" should be raised to 21 with the drinking age. I think it's kind of unfair that you can be drafted to war if congress says so at the age of 18 but you can't legally buy a beer.



That's discrimination? I don't think so. If that's discrimination then not allowing children to drive is also discrimination. Same with not allowing them to purchase real estate, book hotel rooms and apply for credit cards.

No there is a diference betveen prohibiting something with a law and unabeling or preventing it.
It is elegal for all citizents to give minors alcohol its not elegal for a certan grup to own it this is the diferenc those of us living in democracy experience. Mynors can own real astate but cannot be taken into a living situation by adults not thei parentswithout the parents permition. Again the law doesnt prohibit minors from doing something it astablishes a sistem that prevents it.

[ImCoolBeans]

No there is a diference betveen prohibiting something with a law and unabeling or preventing it.
It is elegal for all citizents to give minors alcohol its not elegal for a certan grup to own it this is the diferenc those of us living in democracy experience. Mynors can own real astate but cannot be taken into a living situation by adults not thei parentswithout the parents permition. Again the law doesnt prohibit minors from doing something it astablishes a sistem that prevents it.

A minor cannot sign a legal document to purchase real estate. A minor can get arrested for underage drinking. Yes, there is a difference between legally prohibiting something and just not having them to allow it -- but it is legal prohibition that they are doing.

[tovaris]

A minor cannot sign a legal document to purchase real estate. A minor can get arrested for underage drinking. Yes, there is a difference between legally prohibiting something and just not having them to allow it -- but it is legal prohibition that they are doing.

Yes because one CAN only sine a legal document after the age of 18...
That is also why minors cant be arested for drinking since no laws prohibites it see...

[ImCoolBeans]

Yes because one CAN only sine a legal document after the age of 18...
That is also why minors cant be arested for drinking since no laws prohibites it see...

You're posts are pretty incoherent. I don't really know what you're talking about anymore, sorry.

In the United States we do have these laws, if you're saying they don't exist then you are wrong.

[tovaris]

You're posts are pretty incoherent. I don't really know what you're talking about anymore, sorry.

In the United States we do have these laws, if you're saying they don't exist then you are wrong.

Whele here you cant arest a minor because no law prohibites drinking alcohol, we do not leave in the prohibition.

[ImCoolBeans]

Whele here you cant arest a minor because no law prohibites drinking alcohol, we do not leave in the prohibition.

Children cannot consume alcohol outside of their own homes anywhere in the United States.

[tovaris]

Children cannot consume alcohol outside of their own homes anywhere in the United States.

Discriminating laws.

[Ceol]

What I believe personally is - if you're old enough to serve and die for your country, you should be old enough to drink. I think 18 should be the minimum for the drinking age. (It is legal to drink under parent-only supervision in your parents' house... inside "underage"). I don't think it should be lowered any further than that to be quite honest. Lowering the age for people who are a majority - immature (not that every 14 through 17 year old or any younger of course are immature) but I already gave my opinion on the subject at hand.

[Name1ess]

I personally think the drinking age should be lowered. If people wanna drink irresponsibly, that's their choice. In majority of the countries, especially Europe, kids are allowed to drink at any age(according to my friend who lives there) the only age restriction is the age to purchase alcohol.

The only reason for many drunk accidents happen in the USA, IMO, is because everyone thinks drinking as a teen is so bad, so when someone becomes of age, they think "Oh, I've been waiting 21 years for this. Drink away." Comparing us to Europe, the drinking amount is so irresponsible. Just sayin'.

Actually I don't believe age restrictions are needed at all. The answer to this is education. After all knowledge is power. :P Making alcohol illegal only encourages extreme binges or kids doing stupid things like shoplifting or drinking dangerous products to get drunk. This leads to deaths and crime. Making it legal would take the fun out of it and when kids do drink a bit they will likely be supervised and not get drunk. Those that want to drink will be supervised versus at some random party. Those who want it will get it either way.

[TheBionicWorm]

I think it should be 18 like in my parents college days. If you are old enough to join the military and possibly die for your country you should be able to have a drink. Not to mention that at 16 you have the ability to fling 2 ton vehicles down a highway at 60 MPH.

[anyone50]

The problem with lowering the drinking age is where would you stop if you made it 18 then 16 year olds would want it lower. What does it matter what the legal age to drink is do you actually know anyone that hasn't taken a drink by the age of 18 or even 16 in most cases. I don't think there is any teen around that couldn't figure out how to get a drink if they wanted to.

[NeuroTiger]

I'm totally against the lowering of the drinking age.
Most teenagers are not mature enough to drink moderately...
If at 21, you drink a lot...then it's your education who is to be blamed...and your attitude in general!
Read and learn the negative effect of alcohol and it's derivatives.

[Seemyheart]

Why lower it? considering all the teens who drink ILLEGALLY and then get in car accidents and end up losing their lives because of alcohol... why lower it even more and give more people the possibility to drink and drive. imo teens arent responsible enough to be able to make that right decision considering peer pressure and wanting to look cool. and I mean no disrespect because I am a teen and I wouldnt want to have to worry about that until im older and more mature. mature enough to know the right from wrong and be ok with saying no or whatever applied to the situation.

[Vocabulous]

NO. It is too low already. I've seen alcohol ruin families. It is more dangerous then many people believe, and if someone was to consume it before their brains were fully developed ( so before the age of 25), it would have devastating effects.

[tovaris]

What I believe personally is - if you're old enough to serve and die for your country, you should be old enough to drink. I think 18 should be the minimum for the drinking age. (It is legal to drink under parent-only supervision in your parents' house... inside "underage"). I don't think it should be lowered any further than that to be quite honest. Lowering the age for people who are a majority - immature (not that every 14 through 17 year old or any younger of course are immature) but I already gave my opinion on the subject at hand.

That is why the drinking ange, woting age, etc... ale all in that one number here 18.

Actually I don't believe age restrictions are needed at all. The answer to this is education. After all knowledge is power. :P Making alcohol illegal only encourages extreme binges or kids doing stupid things like shoplifting or drinking dangerous products to get drunk. This leads to deaths and crime. Making it legal would take the fun out of it and when kids do drink a bit they will likely be supervised and not get drunk. Those that want to drink will be supervised versus at some random party. Those who want it will get it either way.

Whel there is nohing elegal about kids getting drunk our laws only dey people to give or sell alcohol to minors. But i see what you mean...
If maybe a mandatory test (like for driving) was to be astablished if anione over 18wished do buy alcohol over a certan concentration (maybee 10% vol) than there would be much les iresponsable drinkers around.

The problem with lowering the drinking age is where would you stop if you made it 18 then 16 year olds would want it lower. What does it matter what the legal age to drink is do you actually know anyone that hasn't taken a drink by the age of 18 or even 16 in most cases. I don't think there is any teen around that couldn't figure out how to get a drink if they wanted to.

Whele here is where education and upbringing have a role. If a clild at the age of 16, preferably even erlier, knows the dangers of exesive drinking and conciquances, than i dont think there should be any problem.

I miself have never been drunk in my lfe and jet tosted to a happy new year with shampane before the age of 10.
The problem nowerdais is that some "modern" parents make alcohol a tabo and that is what atractes children to it.

I'm totally against the lowering of the drinking age.
Most teenagers are not mature enough to drink moderately...
If at 21, you drink a lot...then it's your education who is to be blamed...and your attitude in general!
Read and learn the negative effect of alcohol and it's derivatives.

Bot for many people education ends at 18...

NO. It is too low already. I've seen alcohol ruin families. It is more dangerous then many people believe, and if someone was to consume it before their brains were fully developed ( so before the age of 25), it would have devastating effects.

Imagine this situation if you will... Your country gets atached by a english speaking superpover that flies a flag with many stripes and 40 something stars... A state of war is declared and you who had just turned 18 are constricted into the army, you are nervous frightent, after you are stationed in some town you go to a pub and ask for a shot of shnaps and a glass of bear, the lady asros te counter asks for indentification and after seing you are under 25 denies you the drink...

[Vocabulous]

Imagine this situation if you will... Your country gets atached by a english speaking superpover that flies a flag with many stripes and 40 something stars... A state of war is declared and you who had just turned 18 are constricted into the army, you are nervous frightent, after you are stationed in some town you go to a pub and ask for a shot of shnaps and a glass of bear, the lady asros te counter asks for indentification and after seing you are under 25 denies you the drink...

I did. It's still to low.

[tovaris]

I did. It's still to low.

Okkk... You know if educated corectly people are les likely to become binge drinker... Everething is in how you raise them

Ps
Go ahead and march into anemy fire sober...

[Canadian Dream]

No it should not be lowered. Saying that it's other people's problems if they drink irresponsibly does not effectively carry the message that north america is a role model for other continents/countries. If we lower the drinking age, the government has lost a certain amount of control over people that is needed. You are not mature enough even at 16 or 17 to make some really important decisions like this. Even though the legal drinking age is set high, it doesn't mean that everyone follows that law. Drinking and driving amongs teens is already bad enough, lowering the drinking age will not help. we already have so many organisations trying to raise awareness on drinking and driving, and all you're doing is making the work load go up. It will not help any country in any way. Not only that, abuse of alcohol damages the teenage brain in many ways, personnaly I have even been told many times not to take up drinking ever.

[tovaris]

No it should not be lowered. Saying that it's other people's problems if they drink irresponsibly does not effectively carry the message that north america is a role model for other continents/countries. If we lower the drinking age, the government has lost a certain amount of control over people that is needed. You are not mature enough even at 16 or 17 to make some really important decisions like this. Even though the legal drinking age is set high, it doesn't mean that everyone follows that law. Drinking and driving amongs teens is already bad enough, lowering the drinking age will not help. we already have so many organisations trying to raise awareness on drinking and driving, and all you're doing is making the work load go up. It will not help any country in any way. Not only that, abuse of alcohol damages the teenage brain in many ways, personnaly I have even been told many times not to take up drinking ever.

You see this is the problem alcohol is made into a tabo. And instead of being taught a helty view of alcoholic becerages kids are taught to fear it in any form. I agre alcoholism and drunk driving should be precived as wrong, but moderate alcohol use is newer the problem.
Dont get me wrong i am of the opinion that the drinking agenshould stay 18 as it has always been.

[Canadian Dream]

You see this is the problem alcohol is made into a tabo. And instead of being taught a helty view of alcoholic becerages kids are taught to fear it in any form. I agre alcoholism and drunk driving should be precived as wrong, but moderate alcohol use is newer the problem.
Dont get me wrong i am of the opinion that the drinking agenshould stay 18 as it has always been.

That's because a lot of people abuse the use of alcohol and that's what parents or other adults fear. I totally agree the age should stay at 18 (21 from a usa point of view), I'm just saying it should not be lowered. My point from the previous post was to say that lowering the drinking age will not help current problems with drinking and driving, but will only make it worse. Btw I never brought up moderate alcohol use.

[Vocabulous]

Okkk... You know if educated corectly people are les likely to become binge drinker... Everething is in how you raise them

Ps
Go ahead and march into anemy fire sober...

Given that it is illegal to consume any kind of alcohol while on deployment, soldiers do that already.

[Vocabulous]

Discriminating laws.

Apologies to the mods if this is double posting, but what?

[tovaris]

Apologies to the mods if this is double posting, but what?

One cannot write a law tjat will be enforced only of a smalngrup of people, insted there is a law that prewents anyone from giving minors alcoholik bevrages.

[Arie_]

No. Kids these days are very irresponsible

[unknownuser]

I think it should be younger.

I think a majority of the underage drinking occurs because kids think they're all cool and badass doing it because it's all illegal and all... lower it and then it will be seen as a more normal thing and you can't be that badass rebel teenager.

It's the same as telling a kid, "don't eat that cookie". If you don't let them have it, they'll want it more and more. Let them have all the cookies they want and sooner or later, they'll get bored, tired, and sick of it. I mean, how is it that all these European countries have younger/no drinking ages and their stats for alcohol-related issues in teenages is significantly lower?

[ryzzz9]

definitely agree. some countries, like France I think, have a drinking age for in public and for at home (no drinking age at home!). That might make sense, that way we could drink at home and not get in trouble.

[Vocabulous]

I think it should be younger.

I think a majority of the underage drinking occurs because kids think they're all cool and badass doing it because it's all illegal and all... lower it and then it will be seen as a more normal thing and you can't be that badass rebel teenager.

It's the same as telling a kid, "don't eat that cookie". If you don't let them have it, they'll want it more and more. Let them have all the cookies they want and sooner or later, they'll get bored, tired, and sick of it. I mean, how is it that all these European countries have younger/no drinking ages and their stats for alcohol-related issues in teenages is significantly lower?

yes but if you lower the age, access to alcohol would be easier as well as making it seem more badass for even younger kids.

[unknownuser]

yes but if you lower the age, access to alcohol would be easier as well as making it seem more badass for even younger kids.

Then teach kids that alcohol = bad, don't make a big deal and glorify it, saying alcohol = great time.

When's the last time you saw a movie or head a song about drinking being bad? It's always a good time when drinks are involved, right?

[nklarke]

I personally think the drinking age should be lowered. If people wanna drink irresponsibly, that's their choice. In majority of the countries, especially Europe, kids are allowed to drink at any age(according to my friend who lives there) the only age restriction is the age to purchase alcohol.

The only reason for many drunk accidents happen in the USA, IMO, is because everyone thinks drinking as a teen is so bad, so when someone becomes of age, they think "Oh, I've been waiting 21 years for this. Drink away." Comparing us to Europe, the drinking amount is so irresponsible. Just sayin'.

In USA you aren't allowed to drink a beer at 20 years old WITH your father in your house?

[cherylcherylX2]

I personally think the drinking age should be lowered. If people wanna drink irresponsibly, that's their choice. In majority of the countries, especially Europe, kids are allowed to drink at any age(according to my friend who lives there) the only age restriction is the age to purchase alcohol.

The only reason for many drunk accidents happen in the USA, IMO, is because everyone thinks drinking as a teen is so bad, so when someone becomes of age, they think "Oh, I've been waiting 21 years for this. Drink away." Comparing us to Europe, the drinking amount is so irresponsible. Just sayin'.

I definitely think it should be lowered, or altered so that parents can accompany their kids if they're drinking.

My parents let me drink alcohol, and because of their guidance and learning from a responsible source, I know how to drink responsibly and within my limits. (although there are times when you just wanna get wasted)

[Dark Hatred]

No, the US law was made like that for a reason.

[ciaran17]

Most kids I know drink anyway.

[Croconaw]

Absolutely not. If anything, it should be raised. Drinking should be permanently banned.

[Cygnus]

Please do not post in threads with more than two months of inactivity :locked: