Should The Drinking Age Be Lowered

It's no secret, millions of teens consume alcohol, despite the fact the legal drinking age is 21, which leaves many wondering, should the drinking age be lowered? Many argue to lower the drinking age because it hasn't stopped teen drinking, so why set an age limit in the first place? Instead, they encourage educating teens to make the right choices and use alcohol responsibly. However, opponents of lowering the drinking age argue teens aren't mature enough to handle alcohol responsibly; therefore, the age restriction should remain in place.

Those who support lowering the drinking age say when a person turns 18 years of age, they receive the same rights and responsibilities as adulthood, with the exception of alcohol consumption. Therefore, supporters say they should be trusted with alcohol as well. However, when opponents are asked, should the drinking age be lowered, they say teens who drink are much more likely to cause auto accidents and endanger the lives of others and their own.

Should the drinking age be lowered? Well, supporters of lowering the drinking age say if children are taught to use alcohol responsibly, they are far less likely to binge drink. Plus, if the drinking age is lowered or eliminated, the temptation that’s associated with consuming alcohol will decrease. As it stands now, teens are tempted to drink because they know they aren’t suppose to do it, but if the taboo aspect of the issue is eliminated, teens won’t be as tempted because there won’t be any rule to break. Opponents, however, say teens are easily tempted to consume alcohol due to peer pressure, physical changes and new situations, which will make teen alcohol consumption worse.

Opponents of lowering the drinking age don’t agree when asked, should the drinking age be lowered, because they say at 21 people who use alcohol are far less likely to binge drink. Also, even though lower drinking ages work in other countries, opponents say it’s not an option for the US because teens begin driving at a younger age, which will increase the risk for automobile fatalities.

The debate over whether or not the drinking age should be lowered will continue. Even when asked should the drinking age be lowered, most Americans aren’t aware there are 29 US states that allow people under the age of 21 to consume alcohol if on a private premises with parental consent. 30 states also allow underage consumption of alcohol if used for religious purposes; whereas, 13 states allow it if used for educational purposes.