Underage Drinking - Comments

The high drinking ages only make teenagers want alcohol more. The US and Canada have the biggest underage binge drinking problems. But give them the opportunity to go to bars when they're sixteen, and getting drunk loses its lustre.

Looking at Stars That's an interesting idea; instead of saying point blank no alcohol, having a maximum limit that depends on age...I can see where that would have its issues, though.
Celina Cyanide I feel like it's slightly different when it's a cultural event, too. I mean, minors drink wine as part of church here in the US and that's considered perfectly fine.
Mermaidy Mmm...I can see the logic in that, but I'm not sure if the alcohol content truly matters when it's just a sip, y'know?

sunsetwing No I agree with you there that sometimes it's a good idea, but not all people are like that. Some know a balance right off, and some don't. And just letting them have some alcohol to start isn't the only way of going about it. You can also just talk to them, parent to child, about how they view drinking. From how I've actually seen it play out it works pretty well.

mass hysteria Mhmm, all in moderation.
Taste of Ink Yes, I suppose that it's good that you're responsible :) In a way, you prove my point; it's way too easy to drink as an underage minor.
delicate to love And I suppose that's partially what I was saying, that if minors must drink, they should do it under parental supervision in a family setting. While I'm not...totally OK with that, it's definitely much better than buying a case of beer for your kid to take to a party, y'know?
Sutefi Yeah; you would think being strict is best, but it actually seems to work out best for more lenient countries. I feel like in the US, alcohol is seen as something much more desirable than in the UK, for instance, just because it's forbidden.

v. Yes! xD That's what I was trying to say.
People need to realize that times are changing
and the drinking age is the least of our worries;
so, why not be a little more lenient but practical?

Surely it's possible. x:

Sarraahh Same for me; I've tasted alcohol. My parents would never buy me a bottle of beer, though. I think that's part of the US's problem; alcohol becomes extremely enticing simply because it's forbidden.
Kurtni Oh, I know; they really just aren't enforceable. To an extent, I see it as a mini Prohibition...and we all know how that worked out.
Audrey T. I like that your kids, your jurisdiction idea.
kitsch You mean like...most of Europe? :P
Paradox Rhaspody I can see your point...but you wouldn't want your kid to have his or her first encounter at 21, would you? They may not rebel as a teen...but they'll be totally unprepared to deal with it when it's suddenly OK to have it, and they'll probably overindulge.

1. Wine, and champagne is fine. But not vodka or any of those heavy drinks.
2. Hell no.

I agree with Sarah. My mother is VERY much Italian. and i've been able to drink a little on special occasions and such. Nothing wrong with it really. If my family was still in Italy (like they were some generations ago) i would have been drinking the stuff all my life. More than special occasions anyway.

I've been drinking since I was like.. fourteen? Only at family events, though and I didn't start to like, really drink until this past year. Again, only with my family. My family actually buys the drinks that I like specifically for me to drink at family events. Granted, it's something that shouldn't be encouraged but it's better for me to drink at home with them instead of out with friends.

-shrugs- I can't disagree with either question because that would make me look like a hypocrite.

1.Yes, but maybe lower the amount of tasting they do the younger they are..

2. I'm 17, the legal age to drink here is 18. My mother and father have brought me the odd bottle of vodka/wine/whiskey or whatever when I've gone to a party with my friends. If they don't, then, well because a lot of my friends are 18/19, then I get them to buy it for me. But, I'm responsible, and it all depends on the child, really.

1.Yes, I think it's a good idea to get kids used to alcohol so they're more mature with it in the future. In the UK it's perfectly legal for kids aged 5 and over to consume alcohol in private, so it obviously can't do too much damage.
2. I think it's okay -- not enough to get them wasted or anything though. Getting tipsy/partially drunk on special occasions is something I and most people I personally know in my age group have done scince at least age 14, with and without our family's. It's just the norm in the culture and society I'm used to.

well ive been reading comments and being nosy, but think about it. Italian familys (much like my own) have been giving their kids tastes of wine when they are like 6 years old. (yeah im guilty) and you dont see people in Italy getting drunk and getting in accidents as much as Americans do.

I think it's ok. It would be better for parents to supervise and be aware, rather than kids sneaking around behind their backs.

And in some countries it is ok for a 16 or 18 year old to drink. The US just has (ineffective) strict laws.

1. I think, with older teens, it's okay for parents to let them have a glass of wine or champagne at special occasions. As long as parents are doing it with their own children and not other people's kids (their kids' friends and the like). Do I think parents should be letting their underage kids kick back bottles of beer or shots? No.

2. Definitely not. This falls under the "do whatever you want with your own kids" thing. If they're your kids, as a parent, I suppose you have a right to use your own discretion, but not when it comes to other people's children. And especially not when dealing with any group of kids (that would be at a party or other "special events" where a bunch of kids will be). It would be difficult enough for a parent to keep a close eye on their one child if they give them access to alcohol. It will be nearly impossible to make sure that a group of kids are safe if you're handing them alcohol. And giving them alcohol, those underaged kids are now your responsibility.

i think the ages 16-21 are times when kids are supposed to learn responsible drinking habits (ones that i have not learned -.-)
but not to buy for a party, kids that are not yours get a hold of it could trigger an addiction. not saying it would cause one but it could set some one down the wrong path.

My whole family has always been allowed small drinks like that at special occasions

1. Yeah it's fine
2. It's not "ok" exactly but I do and I know plenty others who. That doesn't make it right but I think as long as you're with someone who's gonna stay sober and bring you home or whatever, then it's ok. Me and my friends switch around for the driver, so one just goes to have fun but never drinks even a sip. I guess it's still not "ok" buuuut could be worse

I don't think just giving them alcohol anytime is OK. I don't mind a taste of wine on a special occasion, but don't just make them believe alcohol is totally fine to have whenever. I can see what you're getting at with the fact that some will rebel later on, but not all will. I've never had my parents give me alcohol, and I know the only thing I'll ever drink is wine for celebrating or something. :) Buying alcohol for teens can get them into even more trouble later in my opinion.

I think it's okay if it's supervised and in very small quantities. As you said, a glass on New Years or Christmas is fine - but a huge vodka party is not.

1. I agree with you. Plus, before such a law was implemented,
people drank alcoholic beverages like water. It wasn't taboo at all.
I'm sure that it's still practiced by some native groups as well.
2. No. Call me a party killer, but the possibilities and after effects
are endless and not all of them can be fixed easily or reversed.