Across the globe, many can legally drink at the age of 18. The age of 18 signifies the start of adulthood and responsibility in many nations, even ours. However, the legal drinking age in the United States is 21. When you compare the drinking habits of other countries versus the US, it makes sense to lower the age limit.
For starters, France is a country known for social drinkers, and their legal drinking age is 18. They have a glass of wine or other beverage with their meals. Their parents teach them to appreciate certain drinks with certain plates. They are also less likely to abuse alcohol, unlike the U.S. In fact, alcohol abuse is on the rise in the U.S.
"Problems with alcohol increased by nearly 50 percent. Among women, alcohol abuse and dependence increased by 83.7 percent. Among black people, it increased by 92.8 percent. Among the poor (earning less than $20,000) it rose by 65.9 percent.
And among older adults, abuse and dependence more than doubled." (Domonoske, Camila. "Drinking On The Rise In U.S., Especially For Women, Minorities, Older Adults").
So why does a country with a lower drinking age also have a lower abuse problem? One reason may be that underage drinkers think that it's "cool" to break the law and not get caught. In my area, I know this to be true. Most of the time, people would brag that they drank a case of beer or participated in a wild party. Snapchats were full of rednecks crushing a can against their head, and hidden Instagrams were full of teens at the White Knuckle Event at Brimstone. It could also be that parents expect their children to wait until they are legal to even think about drinking, or they do not bother to educate them about their options and demand they not drink (which as we've seen with abstinence-only teachings rather than safe sex definitely works, right?).
So why lower the drinking age if the U.S. has such a big problem? For one, it no longer is cool to drink if everyone can do it. It may also force parents to address the issue before it becomes one. My aunt and uncle (read: my second mom and dad) sat me down a few years ago to address a lot of things that I could experience (especially dangers) in my life, and they gave me my options. However, if they hadn't, I would have never known about a lot of the college dangers. Like many things, parents can help their children understand the world instead of them becoming swept up in it.
Another point to be made is that many restrictions are lifted at the age of 18. One can smoke, vote, join the army, get a tattoo, and open a bank account at this age. If you're old enough to help choose a president, you should be able to have a glass to de-stress from their actions. After all, don't we deserve it?
