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iVillagers Debate Drinking Age Change
It's a topic we've debated before and the idea of lowering the legal drinking age in the U.S. from 21 to 18 is now being raised again by what seems like an unlikely source -- college presidents from some well-known universities. In what's known as the "Amethyst Initiative," college chancellors and presidents are signing on to reopen public debate over the drinking age. The supporters of the idea say that the current drinking age sets up a scenario where younger college students are more likely to engage in binge drinking. Some feel that giving students the responsibility to imbibe in moderation and make smart decisions lets these campuses treat all students as true adults. Others think it's a deadly idea. Mothers Against Drunk Driving argues that years of statistics that say the drinking age of 21 has saved an estimated 25,000 lives since the legal age was raised to 21 in 1984.
So what do iVillagers say about this recent hot-button issue?
On Mom & Politics, it looks like not many are in favor so far and feel most 18-year-olds can't handle the responsibility:
"I think it would be a bad idea. Wow, could you imagine a high school party when most of the seniors can LEGALLY buy and consume alcohol?! That would be very scary." -- dansmom2003
"I think that the colleges want it because it takes the responsibility of enforcing the laws away from them. I even asked my 18-year-old son what he thought and he looked at me as if I was crazy... he said that it would be a really bad idea because there are enough drunken 18-year-olds with the law in place without there being more." -- cl-weberdns0
The reaction is a bit more mixed in our Military Wives community, with some questioning what the real focus should be:
"I don't think that they have enough facts to support this decision on changing the age. But on the other hand, I see it as -- at age 18 you're old enough to die for your country so you should be old enough to have a beer." -- wifemegan07
"When you're told you can't drink, well then it seems that much more appealing and you'll do whatever it takes to be able to. Whether the age is 21 or 18, there will still be kids getting alcohol, they'll still drink and drive, and there will still be binge drinking." -- charmedrose86
"Underage drinking isn’t the problem, it is a symptom. You have kids going from over-protected childhoods straight to under protected, under supported adult living situations, in the matter of a car ride. You want to see a reduction in reckless behavior, then someone needs to figure out how to make that transition into adulthood more productive." -- izzynalexsmommy
"I think the drinking age should stand firm at 21. I agree with Anna. Just because people are legally considered adults doesn't mean that they are responsible enough to handle adult situations, like drinking." -- natesmom_2004
The debate delves a bit more into cultural norms and rights on Politics Today with many feeling the current laws are too restrictive:
"Far better to have 18-year-olds drinking in public where they can learn to drink responsibly than to have them drinking in private where they learn to binge." -- martinisnsushi
"This is an individual state issue, but yes ... if our young people can sign contracts, marry, be drafted to fight in war, and vote, they also should have the right to drink alcohol." -- sopall1953
"This is one subject I think Europeans are right about -- drinking shouldn't be something we make into this huge taboo." -- sandybryant
But janetis40 thinks the current laws are there for a reason and should be enforced, saying:
"... let's lower the drinking age and give them cell phones to use while driving. The #1 group of people that have accidents are teenagers … Why in the world can't a law just be applied and enforced without making a set of new laws?"
On Hot Topics in Health, many also feel that the drinking age should be in line with other rights, such as voting and military service:
"I believe if a soldier is willing to fight for his country, he should be able to have a beer when he's done. Even if the drinking age is not lowered for all youth, I wish they would allow the military to lower its age limit on base. " -- cl-mrsbear
And iVillager nikkicherry gives us a Canadian perspective:
"[The drinking age is] 19 here, 18 in Quebec and I think we have all the same issues as everywhere else. I also think by having it at 21 more kids are sneaking off, binging, etc. Plus, 21 is OLD. You can drive, vote, get MARRIED, go to war, and do all the adult things ... why not have a drink?"
Meanwhile, libelulle takes a more philosophical approach to the issue, feeling that the real responsibility comes back to the parents:
"What about teaching kids the philosophy, the pleasures and the dangers of alcohol drinking when they are in their teens and before they go away from home? What about teaching them moderation before they binge?"
This issue is likely to generate some heat, especially as parents are in the midst of sending their kids back to campus. Still, I think everyone has made pretty good points so far -- where do you stand on the topic? Do you think the drinking age in the US should stay put at 21 or is it a good idea for us to reconsider? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
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The common saying around here is if you can drive, fight for your country and elect the next President of the US, but we offer driver's education courses, military training, and an explanation of the voting process.
Perhaps if we educate our youth more about alcohol and teach them to drink in moderation as opposed to getting plastered, being able to drink at 18 would make as much sense as being able to drive, go to war, and vote.
Ridiculous. Just what we need. More drunk kids driving around!
We can barely drive at 18 in some states due to newer restrictive laws, and now we want to negate those advances in decreased accidents by giving immature adults the right to drink? Age isn't everything, so I'm sure many will be responsible but most of us at 18 think we're invincible and haven't had a chance to gain wisdom. Making the wrong vote won't kill someone. The military trains its soldiers how to stay safe. How are we going to make a lower-drinking age safe? (And why is this necessary?) Also, as an ex-soldier, lowering the drinking age on base but not everywhere else is not only unfair, but have you seen some of these kids right out of basic? I'm not sure I'd want them to even be able to carry a weapon.
I'm all in favor of this because I've taught my kids from an early age that alcohol is okay in moderate measures, and have allowed them to have a glass of wine with dinner (which after the first time of trying it, they said NO THANKS!). When something is forbidden, it's much more tempting.
The age being 21 serves no purpose. Any minor who wants to drink will do it. Regardless of any law. I have been able to get alcahol quite easily since I was 16, at 18 I can get it any time. If the age was 18 the only difference is it would save me a little time.
Part of the problem with campus drinking is that it's often the very first time that kids are exposed to alcohol. They spend the first 18 years of their lives being told by mom and dad that alcohol is the absolute evil, absolutely not, no way you're going to drink... and then they get to campus with zero practical experience with alcohol, have only been told "absolutely no." And we sit back and wonder why they make such bad choices re: alcohol. A mom on one of my boards says she tells her kids "alcohol=death." Now that's a realistic perspective - and one that the kids' own eyes are going to tell them is a lie. Wouldn't it be better to have some realistic discussions about moderation with them?
Coming from a young point of view i think it should be lowered. I have been 21 for less than a year and it is unbelievable how much i have slowed done and pretty much stopped my drinking now that i am legally able to. It just seemed for fun when i "couldnt"
No, I don't think that teenagers should be allowed to drink alcohol. I think teens have enough to deal with and to worry about, not to mention I think it would give them more reponsibility than they are mature for. It would create one more thing for teens and parents to worry about. We already have young adults breaking the law by buying for teens. Now teens will be buying for even younger kids. Enough teens are already dying in car accidents. Let's not put a drink in their hands as well.
I completly agree with Rose. Parents need to step up to the plate on this issue. It does not matter what the age limit is, kids are going to drink. If you want your child to be responsible about it, you need to talk to them, show them, educate them. Forbidding alcohol only make it more tempting. Another comment read "colleges want it because it takes the responsibility of enforcing the laws away from them." Well I think parents do not want it lowered because it puts MORE responsibility on them, instead of being able to depend on the law and colleges to do the work for them (which isn't working by the way). Here in Saskatchewan, Canada, the drinking age is 19 (and I am definately not saying we do a better job of educating our youth), but we have the exact same problems as the US. Age makes no difference; education and parental acceptance of "moderation" does.
The problem with our society today is that it is not congruent. I completely agree with the fact that it is wrong
to consider 18 year olds as adults when it comes to some decisions, but not others. Not wanting to beat a dead horse anymore, it is true that if an 18 year old has the mental
capacity to go and fight for our country, get married, file
a tax return, sign an apartment lease, purchase cigarettes, buy a lottery ticket, have children, and work in very dangerous conditions where explosive materials are used such
as gas companies, foundaries, and so on then by God let them
have a beer. Why not consider alcohol training per say as part of getting a driver's license? You immediately drive these 18 year olds morale down the tube with the law as it is. No wonder they rebel. It is a massive form of non-trust. Already sentenced before any crime was done. I do not fault MADD at all, drunk driving is obviously a problem in our country. But, I often see repeat offenders who are well above the age of 21. The 18 year olds of today are so much more educated than ever before. I have spent a lot of time with adults of this age and you can really learn a lot from talking to them one on one. Some of these very same people are inventing high dollar businesses and taking Mayor positions in some towns accoring to articles I have read. Education and knowledge is the best tool there is when it comes to ANYTHING! I wonder how many of our lost soldiers who came home in a body bag were below 21? They were old enough to take that chance weren't they? Make EVERYTHING either 18 or 21, or possibly 19 1/2. Compromise always works best.
It wasn't that long ago that I was a teenager (or at least it doesn't seem long ago--10 years). I remember the lure of drinking because it was forbidden. I think that taking away that mystique would help curb the urge to binge. Additionally, bartenders are trained not to overserve, providing an extra protection. Taxicabs hang out outside of popular bars to take home inebriated patrons, so teens might actually be less likely to drive drunk. Lastly, if teens are permitted to drink at bars, instead of just at parties with their peers, they would find themselves in drinking situations with older, more experienced drinkers (including perhaps their parents!) who could teach them by example the proper way to conduct themselves--to drink without becoming completely hammered. I have always been in favor of a lower drinking age. I hope it happens!
I have been drinking since I was eleven. Not getting drunk, mind you. I've just had open access to alcohol from a young age. The theory behind this, at the time, was that, "I'd rather you drink around the family and build up slow tolerance than get smashed at your first high school party. No boy will ever be able to get you too drunk to make your own decisions because you will know your limit." And my father was right. I know my limits now. And were the legal age 18, I can tell you now, I wouldn't be any more likely to drink than I am now. It's a social holiday thing, because after you've partied so much, you don't get a rush. I know my 21st won't be anything special because drinking won't be new to me. By the way, I'm nineteen, and a soldier.
While I have read and understand each parent/ adult's view on the idea of the drinking age being lowered. I think that some people seriously underestimate how intelligent and responsible young adults are. Yes, there are some who are too naive and immature for their age, but the same problem can also happen when someone is in their 20's and 30's. I myself am 18. While I cant speak for the majority of young adults, I can assure you that there are plenty of people my age who can handle drinking. I've seen the posted comment about the legal age for so many other things. For example, at 18 I can serve for my country and die in a war, take off my clothes for money, be in the adult entertainment industry, buy tobacco, drive, no curfew, etc. If I am legally allowed to make the decision to fight for my country or work at a gentlemen's club because I need the money, I think I am capable of making the decision of drinking and acting appropriately.
People are right, not allowing us to do it really isnt going to stop us. I have heard plenty of parents say, "I know you are gonna drink with your friends, but I would rather you be here than out hiding it." or "If you end up drinking call me and I will come pick you up," What I have witnessed first hand is that the people my age who were sheltered during their childhood and repeatedly treated like children even upon turning 18 have more of a problem acting appropriately when drinking. Saying that it is typically 18 year olds who cause problems when they drink is actually quite absurd. Most of the time, people my age are trying to get away with it so they do what is necessary so that they don't get in trouble. It's like saying all teenagers are bad drivers. I have had to walk into the courthouse, where I used to volunteer at, and I would see that people that are more towards their 40's are typically the ones receiving DUI and driving citations, not people my age.
People keep talking about how they cannot trust people that are 18 to handle the responsibility to consume alcohol, but which people are you talking about? Are you referring to your kids? I highly doubt it, typical parents trust their kids and think they have a good head on their shoulders. Are you referring to some other kids? I think that is highly hypocritical. Do you know me? I honestly doubt it. I walked out of high school already 18 with a full ride to a known university being on the national honor roll playing sports and volunteering, with a job better than most students could think about getting. Are you saying I couldn't handle it?
Whether parents would like to believe, many teenagers even under 18 indulge in consuming alcohol with their friends. Even people you wouldn't expect have done it. I don't know how many times i've seen drunkards acting a fool coming out of the bar, and let me tell you they are not anywhere close to the age of 21. Age is not the problem. its the lack of education and preparation for life experiences. People don't just ship their kids out into the real world, they guide them. Do the same with alcohol and don't under estimate our capability to be responsible about it.
Wow, I think we really underestimate teens. For one thing, just because something is 'forbidden' (or illegal) doesn't make it more exciting. Maybe with some kids, but far from all. And not all kids are 'going to drink one way or another.' Please. Maybe it's easier to make excuses or assumptions rather than parent, but parents need to educate their children and stop feeling so good that they've let their kids drink at a young age, 'try alcohol now so they won't freak out later,' when giving them a taste earlier isn't necessarily a good thing. Parents know their children the best, but because responsibility isn't appreciated until you're older, keep the age at 21.
I am currently 18 and I am researching the drinking issue for a school project. When I came upon this website I was intrigued by everyone's opinion and believe that almost everyone has offered a valid argument either for or against changing the drinking age. Now, even though I am under the legal drinking age it has never been a problem for me or any of my peers to obtain alcohol. I understand this is not something to boast about but also I would like to add that neither my friends nor myself has ever gotten into any trouble regarding alcohol or any other legal matter. I understand everyone's concern for the drinking age especially regarding the responsibility or irresponsibility of teens and the tough issue of drunk driving BUT feel that I am able to make informed decisions about my own life and trust that my parents have instilled in me the value of responsibility, just as people three years older than myself. I do not boast about my drinking but do drink regularly and never drive. I may just serve as one example and perhaps an exception to the average teen, but honestly feel that if I were able to drink legally I would not change my actions in any way and continue to act just as responsibly in a LEGAL way.
I still can't believe that there are people that actually think that lowering the drinking age would be for the best... We should guide ourselves upon statistics... 25,000 lives is a lot, we don't need more arguments besides that.