Unlike many other countries especially in Europe, states in the U.S are prohibited by law, as a condition of recieving funds for highways, from buying or publicaly possessing alcohol before the age of 21. However, some states have exceptions, but now state allows adults to give alcohol to those under age 21 who is not thier child. Over a quarter of the population of those between 12-20 " drank at least once in a certain month's period in 2008, according to that year's National Survey on Drug Use and Health. drank at least once in a certain month's period in 2008, according to that year's National Survey on Drug Use and Health." More than 30% of underage drinkers said they paid for thier last drink, usually from an older person over 21.
Some parents are more leniant than others when it comes to under age drinking, as long as its in moderation and there is no drunk driving. They argue that it would be hypocritical to forbid thier children, when they drunk in high school as well.
However, those who have lost children who they thought were being safe now wish their message had been different.
Monday, April 26, 2010
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15 comments:
I believe that should the parent(s) decide to allow their teen to drink underage, the consequences of any "mistakes" or otherwise should lie on them. The teens would take some of the blame for choosing to drink, but the one that provided them the drink and didn't deny them the alcohol should be held accountable as well.
-Annie Yang
I think this is a little absurd. "now state allows adults to give alcohol to those under age 21 who is not thier child." To me, I think these states should be doing the exact opposite. It seems reasonable that their should at least be parental consent before a child consumes alcohol. When you are drinking, you lose control of your actions and your judgment becomes impaired. This is exactly why only parents should be able to provide alcohol to their own children as it allows the parents to have some sort of confirmation that this child is drinking in a somewhat safe environment.
Some states allow adults to "give" alcohol to those under 21 who aren't their own children? That's absurd. If anything adults could "give" alcohol to other children legally and still make a huge profit off the transaction. I find it ridiculous that parents cannot legally supply their own children with alcohol, yet can supply other children with alcohol. It doesn't make sense at all. Some might argue that parents, under their own rooftops, ultimately have control over their own children regardless of what law mandates. However, this state law completely disorients that ideal. If anyone, I think only parents should allow their children to drink underaged.
I basically agree with what everyone has said so far. To summarize (at least to my understanding) we all agree that parent(s) should be the ones that decided whether or not their child may consume alcohol. That's probably the best idea, but then there's the problem of allowing the child's friend drink as well if he or she is at their home. While this may seem like a stupid point, it does make sense. If one kid's parents let them drink, everyone else will want their parents to follow suit. It'll be a negative domino effect.
I agree and think that adults over the age of 21 should not be able to give those under the age of 21 who are not their own child alcohol. It should be the parents' decision if they allow their child to drink or not. It is also their responsibility to decide how to approach the situation. Some kids with strict parents drink just to go against their parents, but at the same time others drink because their parents are too lenient. Parents have to know their child's attitude and the way he or she reacts to certain rules and act appropriately.
Personally I believe that drinking under the age 21 is not only irresponsible but can cause damage to a child's personal health and well being.
Its not uncommon for some kids to try what wine or beer tastes like out of curiosity, but drinking it constantly like an alcoholic? That's when it crosses the line.
I think that this is kind of what is one of the problems that cause binge drinking in teenager drinking. In Europe, alcohol is legal for children over 13. (? something like that right...) Though I do not encourage drinking at an early age, when teens are able to be exposed to alcohol at an earlier age, I think desire to get drunk is lessened because alcohol is seen more as a drink then as a recreational substance. I don't think it should be a crime for children to have a wine at the dinner table, like in Europe, and I think by surrounding kids in this kind of alcohol environment lessens their desire to drink, and makes drinking less "cool". In a a young society where alcohol is strongly associated with rebellion and having a social life, these new law just encourage binge drinking.
And the point of even drinking at this age is...? I know parents are allowed to raise their children however they want, but this exception is pretty ridiculous. Allowing those under 21 to be able to drink is just going to further increase alcoholism.
Should Parents let Teens Drink?
This question is purely subjective and nothing in the world can argue it one way or another. How a parent teaches and guides their children is none of anyone's business.
The rules and regulations are completely irrelevant to parents allowing teens to drink. The rules and regulations set a precedent on drinking, but if the parents allow teens to drink privately in their homes, then that is their decision.
I think parents should allow teens to drink but only when the parent is in the same room as them. The parent must also be responsible or authoritative enough to set rules and limits on what the child can do. The thrill of rebelling is really great for teenagers, and allowing teens to drink would take away that variable.
Kids are going to drink illegally anyway. However, I think if a father found out that his daughter got a drink from some other "adult over age 21", he wouldn't like it. Ultimately, it is the parent that holds responsibility for his or her child and would want a say in their participation in underage drinking. It's inevitable that kids are going to drink either way, but some parents feel safer knowing that their kid is drinking in an environment they recognize. I think the greatest fear is of what will happen when their child becomes intoxicated, and giving permission may help pacify this paranoia.
In many countries that I have visited, the drinking age is only 18, compared to 21 in the US.
Recently I visited family in Taiwan, where the drinking age is 18. Personally, I see no reason why people should not be allowed to drink at 18. As long as young adults can exercise smart judgment as well as restraint, I do not see why the United States shouldn't also have a drinking age of 18.
~Victor H
I believe that if the parent decides to let their child drink under the age of 21 then that is their decision. If they are permitted to drink by their parents, then it is the parents responsibility to make sure that their child is not doing anything stupid. I guarantee that just about every high school student has had alcohol before. The kid that does drink should also be mature because they better know how to take care of themselves and make sure they don't get out of control. When it comes to the parents responsibility to their kid, its up to how much they can trust them not to over do it. As long as the underage drinkers don't drive drunk i'm cool with it because i don't want to see that happen to anyone.
As everyone has stated, I agree that parents shouldn't be allowed to give OTHER children/teens alcohol. If they want to give it to their own kid, that is different than one of their friends. I also agree with Annie that the consequences should be on the parents not the kids if they are giving their kids alcohol as it was THEIR decision to give it to their kids, not the kids.
I believe that it should be upon the parents decision wether to serve alcohol to minors. I believe that the decision is among others and that they shall deal with the consequences. Parents know how tho stop these kinds of thingsi mean there the authoritative ones!! Many parents let it slide and when things get horrible they get sad and stepped all over wich i think is idiotic! Parents have the power they can do as they please and this negative or positive idea should not even cross their minds.
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