Lowering The Drinking Age Research Paper
The Effects of Raising or Lowering the Legal Drinking Age The debate about whether the legal drinking age should be raised or lowered is a common debate in the public domain. The decision on what age one begins drinking is determined by various factors which involve the gene combination of the person and the immediate environment around the person (Vingilis and Smart 415). For instance, the changes that adolescents go through in their biology and physiology can influence the age at which they start drinking alcohol. The behavior of a child influences his environment as the child gets to make friends and these influence the age at which the child can start to experiment with alcohol. Raising or lowering the legal drinking age is bound to raise major concerns. This will be a major concern for parents whose children are directly affected by the issue.
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Likewise, adolescents and youth are bound to get affected thus they are likely to engage in this debate too (Vingilis and Smart 415). Raising the legal drinking age lowers death rate. According to Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Congress members who met to mark the 20th anniversary of passing of a federal law that rose the minimum legal drinking age to 21, about 20,000 lives were saved through the passing of the law (MADD). The law signed in July 17, 1984 by the then President Reagan set the minimum drinking age as 21. An estimate by MADD approximates that underage drinking kills 6,000 people every year through traffic crashes and other alcohol related deaths such as homicides (MADD). Through this, is open that MADD is for the raising of the legal drinking age.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), raising the age at which people are allowed to legally buy and have alcohol is the most appropriate way of curbing alcohol related accidents in people below the age of 21 (Responsibilty). In this argument, DHSS highlights the risk involved in taking alcohol by persons under the age of 21. HHS, the United States government’s principle agency for protecting the health of all Americans, quotes that at least 700 to 1000 lives are saved annually (Responsibilty). Credibility can be given to the argument by HHS since it is the body responsible for safeguarding the health of Americans who are less likely to help themselves. From this argument, it is obvious that DHHS would oppose any attempt to raise the legal age of drinking (Responsibilty).
Drinking among youth is now significantly down from its peak in 1980, when questioned, 54 percent of high school seniors still reported drinking in the last month, and 30 percent reported having had five or more drinks at a time at least once in the previous two weeks (Wagenaar). One important reason youth continue to drink alcohol is that it remains easily available to them, despite the minimum drinking age law (Wagenaar). A recent study shows that two of every one thousand cases of underage drinking resulted in an arrest of the youth involved, and only five of every hundred thousand cases of drinking by underage youth resulted in any action being taken against a store, restaurant, or bar for selling or serving alcohol to a minor (Wagenaar). Because the chance of being caught was so low, half or more of all alcohol outlets tested sold alcohol to youth without asking for any identification (Wagenaar). In this case the question is why should there be a legal drinking age law at all. In regards to a yearly survey of U.S. youth, the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study, the 2005 data shows that about two-thirds more 10th graders than 12th graders have drank alcohol (Responsibilty). This makes underage drinking a leading public health problem. The report shows the risks of underage consumption of alcohol include deaths from motor vehicle crashes and other accident related injuries (Responsibilty). From this studies, it is obvious that they are bent on opposing any move lowering the age at which drinking is legally accepted (Responsibilty).
Advertising plays a role in underage drinking by producing commercials and ads that not only appeal to the intended audience but to youths. Since the youth of this generation is so eager to grow up, or at least participate in activities they see as being grown up, they are very vulnerable to anything they believe would help them achieve adulthood (Rongey and Borges). Critic accuse the alcoholic-beverage companies of making their advertising and promotional programs inviting to youths, who are already very receptive to the ideas of engaging in adult activities, being successful, being more confident, and being more attractive to the opposite sex (Rongey and Borges). The alcoholic-beverage companies respond that the follow the industry voluntary advertising guidelines and do not target youths (Rongey and Borges).
According to research, most teenagers start drinking at a tender age. For instance, the average age for use of alcohol for the first time for most young persons was fourteen in comparison to seventeen and a half in 1965 (Responsibilty). The research states that people who start drinking before the age of 15 were likely to develop a symptom of dependence on alcohol at a certain age in their lives. A new research shows that alcoholism which is common in middle age is seen during puberty and youth. Other research states that the younger a child or an adolescent starts drinking, the higher the probability of the child engaging in activities that can cause harm to him and others. For example, high school drinkers engaging in binge drinking are more likely to participate in harmful activities like abusing other illegal drugs like marijuana or cocaine, or engaging in premarital sex with multiple partners. This study also shows that these students are likely to perform poorly in school getting poor grades (Responsibilty). Another research shows elevated liver enzymes and a certain extent of liver damage in people who engage in alcohol from an early age. In both sexes, the transition during puberty involves changes in hormonal levels and growth factors important in normal development of organs in the body. Intake of alcohol during this period of growth and development may upset the hormonal balance necessary for the development of muscles, bones and other organs. Studies on animals also show that consumption of alcohol during adolescence interferes with the development of reproductive organs. This research implores that the legal drinking age should be raised to avoid the health complications associated with early alcohol consumption (Responsibilty). In American society, one becomes an adult on turning 18. This allows one to join the military, serve and be ready to die for their country. At 18, an individual becomes legally responsible for his or her actions. One can buy and smoke cigarettes knowing that they cause lung cancer. In many countries, this age coincides with the age of legal alcohol purchase. Of importance is that the constitution states that 18 is the legal age for the majority. It states that the rights of citizens who are 18 years and above shall not be denied on the basis of age. This clearly shows that this argument stands for lowering the legal age of drinking (Services). Reports suggest that minors drink despite alcohol policies. Reports show that young people who are under the age of 21 continue to consume alcohol despite the prohibition. The trend in the past decade also shows a polarizing effect. It shows that few 12-20 year olds drink, but those who have chosen drinking do it heavily. It also suggests that the decrease in the trend of alcohol consumption by persons under age of 21 between 1980s and 1990s was as a result of a trend in the society rather than alcohol policies. This argument point out that the legal age of alcohol dinking should be lowered as it seems inconsequential (Services).
Culture and attitude also play an important influence in alcohol consumption than the minimum age legislation. Europeans start drinking at much younger age. Research published by World Health Organization shows teenagers in these European countries, where drinking age is 18, engage in drinking frequently but with fewer dangerous effects than their other counterparts in strict societies (Services).
Alcohol education is another approach that should be employed rather than impose a legal drinking age. Youngsters need to be equipped with decision making skills for safe alcohol use. This involves both formal education through schools, family and peers. Interactive education programs have high probability of success in educating drinkers and changing their drinking habits. This suggests that the legal drinking age should be lowered (Services).
The major changes in alcohol control laws mostly involve those that govern the legal drinking age (Vingilis and Smart 415). During the development of children from youngsters into adulthood, so many changes occur in their bodies physically, emotional and in their lifestyle. Whether the legal drinking age should be lowered or raised is an issue that should be collectively addressed.
Works Cited
MADD.
"MADD estimates 20,000 lives saved by raising of drinking age." Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly 16.28 (2004): 5. n.d. 20 October 2010 .
Responsibilty, Choose. "The Minimum Legal Drinking Age Should Be Lowered." Teens at Risk. Ed. Auriana Ojeda. San Diego: Greenhaven Press. 2009. 14 October 2010 .
Rongey, Charles M. and G. Borges. "Advertising and the alcohol indusrty". Encyclopedia of drugs, alcohol & addictive behavior. Ed. 2001. 38-42. Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt. 2nd ed. Vol.1.New York: Macmillan Reference USA. 2001. 16 October 2010 .
Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human. "The Minimum Legal drinking Age Should Not Be Lowered." Teens at Risk. Ed. Auriana Ojeda. San Diego: Greenhaven Press. 2009. 14 October 2010 .
Vingilis, Evely and Reginald G. Smart. "Effects of Raising the Legal Drinking Age in Ontario*." British Journal of Addiction 77.1 (1982): 415-424. n.d. 3 November 2010 .
Wagenaar, Alexander C. "Minimum drinking age laws." Encylopedia of drugs, alcohol & addictive behavior. Ed. 734-739 Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt. 2nd ed. Vol. 2. New York: Macmillan Reference USA. 2001. 16 October 2010
.
Likewise, adolescents and youth are bound to get affected thus they are likely to engage in this debate too (Vingilis and Smart 415). Raising the legal drinking age lowers death rate. According to Mothers against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Congress members who met to mark the 20th anniversary of passing of a federal law that rose the minimum legal drinking age to 21, about 20,000 lives were saved through the passing of the law (MADD). The law signed in July 17, 1984 by the then President Reagan set the minimum drinking age as 21. An estimate by MADD approximates that underage drinking kills 6,000 people every year through traffic crashes and other alcohol related deaths such as homicides (MADD). Through this, is open that MADD is for the raising of the legal drinking age.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), raising the age at which people are allowed to legally buy and have alcohol is the most appropriate way of curbing alcohol related accidents in people below the age of 21 (Responsibilty). In this argument, DHSS highlights the risk involved in taking alcohol by persons under the age of 21. HHS, the United States government’s principle agency for protecting the health of all Americans, quotes that at least 700 to 1000 lives are saved annually (Responsibilty). Credibility can be given to the argument by HHS since it is the body responsible for safeguarding the health of Americans who are less likely to help themselves. From this argument, it is obvious that DHHS would oppose any attempt to raise the legal age of drinking (Responsibilty).
Drinking among youth is now significantly down from its peak in 1980, when questioned, 54 percent of high school seniors still reported drinking in the last month, and 30 percent reported having had five or more drinks at a time at least once in the previous two weeks (Wagenaar). One important reason youth continue to drink alcohol is that it remains easily available to them, despite the minimum drinking age law (Wagenaar). A recent study shows that two of every one thousand cases of underage drinking resulted in an arrest of the youth involved, and only five of every hundred thousand cases of drinking by underage youth resulted in any action being taken against a store, restaurant, or bar for selling or serving alcohol to a minor (Wagenaar). Because the chance of being caught was so low, half or more of all alcohol outlets tested sold alcohol to youth without asking for any identification (Wagenaar). In this case the question is why should there be a legal drinking age law at all. In regards to a yearly survey of U.S. youth, the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study, the 2005 data shows that about two-thirds more 10th graders than 12th graders have drank alcohol (Responsibilty). This makes underage drinking a leading public health problem. The report shows the risks of underage consumption of alcohol include deaths from motor vehicle crashes and other accident related injuries (Responsibilty). From this studies, it is obvious that they are bent on opposing any move lowering the age at which drinking is legally accepted (Responsibilty).
Advertising plays a role in underage drinking by producing commercials and ads that not only appeal to the intended audience but to youths. Since the youth of this generation is so eager to grow up, or at least participate in activities they see as being grown up, they are very vulnerable to anything they believe would help them achieve adulthood (Rongey and Borges). Critic accuse the alcoholic-beverage companies of making their advertising and promotional programs inviting to youths, who are already very receptive to the ideas of engaging in adult activities, being successful, being more confident, and being more attractive to the opposite sex (Rongey and Borges). The alcoholic-beverage companies respond that the follow the industry voluntary advertising guidelines and do not target youths (Rongey and Borges).
According to research, most teenagers start drinking at a tender age. For instance, the average age for use of alcohol for the first time for most young persons was fourteen in comparison to seventeen and a half in 1965 (Responsibilty). The research states that people who start drinking before the age of 15 were likely to develop a symptom of dependence on alcohol at a certain age in their lives. A new research shows that alcoholism which is common in middle age is seen during puberty and youth. Other research states that the younger a child or an adolescent starts drinking, the higher the probability of the child engaging in activities that can cause harm to him and others. For example, high school drinkers engaging in binge drinking are more likely to participate in harmful activities like abusing other illegal drugs like marijuana or cocaine, or engaging in premarital sex with multiple partners. This study also shows that these students are likely to perform poorly in school getting poor grades (Responsibilty). Another research shows elevated liver enzymes and a certain extent of liver damage in people who engage in alcohol from an early age. In both sexes, the transition during puberty involves changes in hormonal levels and growth factors important in normal development of organs in the body. Intake of alcohol during this period of growth and development may upset the hormonal balance necessary for the development of muscles, bones and other organs. Studies on animals also show that consumption of alcohol during adolescence interferes with the development of reproductive organs. This research implores that the legal drinking age should be raised to avoid the health complications associated with early alcohol consumption (Responsibilty). In American society, one becomes an adult on turning 18. This allows one to join the military, serve and be ready to die for their country. At 18, an individual becomes legally responsible for his or her actions. One can buy and smoke cigarettes knowing that they cause lung cancer. In many countries, this age coincides with the age of legal alcohol purchase. Of importance is that the constitution states that 18 is the legal age for the majority. It states that the rights of citizens who are 18 years and above shall not be denied on the basis of age. This clearly shows that this argument stands for lowering the legal age of drinking (Services). Reports suggest that minors drink despite alcohol policies. Reports show that young people who are under the age of 21 continue to consume alcohol despite the prohibition. The trend in the past decade also shows a polarizing effect. It shows that few 12-20 year olds drink, but those who have chosen drinking do it heavily. It also suggests that the decrease in the trend of alcohol consumption by persons under age of 21 between 1980s and 1990s was as a result of a trend in the society rather than alcohol policies. This argument point out that the legal age of alcohol dinking should be lowered as it seems inconsequential (Services).
Culture and attitude also play an important influence in alcohol consumption than the minimum age legislation. Europeans start drinking at much younger age. Research published by World Health Organization shows teenagers in these European countries, where drinking age is 18, engage in drinking frequently but with fewer dangerous effects than their other counterparts in strict societies (Services).
Alcohol education is another approach that should be employed rather than impose a legal drinking age. Youngsters need to be equipped with decision making skills for safe alcohol use. This involves both formal education through schools, family and peers. Interactive education programs have high probability of success in educating drinkers and changing their drinking habits. This suggests that the legal drinking age should be lowered (Services).
The major changes in alcohol control laws mostly involve those that govern the legal drinking age (Vingilis and Smart 415). During the development of children from youngsters into adulthood, so many changes occur in their bodies physically, emotional and in their lifestyle. Whether the legal drinking age should be lowered or raised is an issue that should be collectively addressed.
Works Cited
MADD.
"MADD estimates 20,000 lives saved by raising of drinking age." Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly 16.28 (2004): 5. n.d. 20 October 2010 .
Responsibilty, Choose. "The Minimum Legal Drinking Age Should Be Lowered." Teens at Risk. Ed. Auriana Ojeda. San Diego: Greenhaven Press. 2009. 14 October 2010 .
Rongey, Charles M. and G. Borges. "Advertising and the alcohol indusrty". Encyclopedia of drugs, alcohol & addictive behavior. Ed. 2001. 38-42. Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt. 2nd ed. Vol.1.New York: Macmillan Reference USA. 2001. 16 October 2010 .
Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human. "The Minimum Legal drinking Age Should Not Be Lowered." Teens at Risk. Ed. Auriana Ojeda. San Diego: Greenhaven Press. 2009. 14 October 2010 .
Vingilis, Evely and Reginald G. Smart. "Effects of Raising the Legal Drinking Age in Ontario*." British Journal of Addiction 77.1 (1982): 415-424. n.d. 3 November 2010 .
Wagenaar, Alexander C. "Minimum drinking age laws." Encylopedia of drugs, alcohol & addictive behavior. Ed. 734-739 Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt. 2nd ed. Vol. 2. New York: Macmillan Reference USA. 2001. 16 October 2010
.