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should the drinking age be lowered to 18?

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In 2009, about 10.4 million young people between ages 12 and 20 drank more than “just a few sips” of alcohol (Underage). The drinking age should be lowered to age 18 because teens are considered adults at this age, less people in jail for hosting underage drinking, and teens can be taught responsible drinking. Although there is a negative side to lowering the drinking age because it can cause more motor-vehicle accidents, greater chance for alcohol problems, and the health risk it can cause. There is also warning signs to look for in a teen that is drinking underage the age of 21. Teens that are 18 are looked as adults –Teens at the age of 18 are “adults” they can vote, go get married, serve for the country, go to jury duties, and move …show more content…

(Regional) Teens can be taught responsible drinking, by the Law coming up with permits and issuing them to teens till there about 21 to help them teach to be more responsible with drinking. Teens would be able to use these permits, in supervised areas, such as sport games, restaurants or bars, or even in their own home with their parents supervising them. They can take and complete alcohol related courses and have no alcohol related charges on their record before they are issued this permit that is like a drivers learning permit. (Ogilvie) Teens that do the underage drinking can have many health problems. Health problems that can be caused by underage drinking is Death, serious injuries, impaired judgment, increased risk for physical and sexual assault, brain development problems. All of these health problems are serious, and they aren’t thought about by teens before they have a drink. (Underage) Impaired judgments can be considered irresponsible drinking. Significant increase were also found for other variables: “cutting class after drinking” jumped from 9% to almost 12%; “missing class because of hangover” went from 26% to 28%; “getting lower grades because of drinking” rose from 5% to 7% and “been in a fight after drinking” increased from 12% to 17%; these are examples of irresponsible behavior. (Dr. Ruth) There are a few warning signs that someone who is around teens a lot, or is a parent can look for if

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