5 of 17

Yes

Write now Article Tools

There are several arguments as to why the drinking age should be lowered to 18. Three in particular hold traction.

First, the issue of consistency and fairness to our youth; second, the issue of adolescent instincts; and finally the comparative success of U.S. policies on drugs and alcohol.

To start with, there is the personal liberty issue. If our youth are considered legally adults at 18, why do they need to be 21 to drink? In fact, at 16 we view our children as responsible enough to drive a car. At 18, they can vote, and fight in our wars. Yet the need to be 21 to legally drink. This is obviously very contradictory and somewhat unfair to our nation's young adults.

Next is the issue of whether or not this actually works. First, it is a reality that many, many Americans have had their first drink well before they reach their 21st birthday. American teens seem to have two desires. One is to rebel. Drinking is an easy way to rebel without causing any serious, immediate damage. The other desire most adolescents seem to share is the desire to be treated as, and viewed as, an adult. During the many years during which we tend to think of our youth as "becoming" adults, they are trying to speed that process up. When drinking is the last privilege withheld from them, they will seek to drink to show that they are adults.

Finally, it is important to look at the facts, and compare them with other countries.

The United States has the highest legal drinking age, and some of the most restrictive laws about drugs and alcohol, anywhere in the world. Yet, when we look at statistics on addiction, alcoholism and drug and alcohol related deaths, the U.S. does not fare well. When children are allowed to drive before they have seen first hand the effects alcohol can have on the body and judgment, they are less likely to buy into the dangers of driving drunk. When teenagers are forced to drink in alleys or friends' basements, rather than with their parents at restaurants and bars, responsible drinking is not something they learn. Moreover, when having a single beer is already forbidden, getting overly intoxicated, or drinking and driving, is less of a leap. After all, if they are breaking one law, why not break more?

In the end, education and experience are what teach our youth how to become responsible adults. Turning a blind eye and passing laws against teen drinking is not the way to teach youth. Rather than supervised, social drinking in bars and restaurants (which is what happens in Europe), our children's first exposure to alcohol is illicit and irresponsible over consumption, and our laws are to blame.

Learn more about this author, Zach F.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Should the national drinking age be lowered to 18??
We want to hear your view. Write now!