Youth and alcohol consumption

[Firefly1]

I will try to make this as concise as I can.
Personally, I think that allowing teens to drink in their parents home, with parental supervision (not in bed asleep) is ok. It allows them a safe environment to see that beer is not that amazing, learn the effects, all while not being allowed to get sick, drive, interact with people in an unsafe or immoral way.
However, I do not think that allowing a person under 21 to drink unsupervised by adults is safe or moral. I also think that it is worse when young men and young women are drinking together unsupervised. I am in a bit of a discussion/disagreement with a family member about this topic as their son recently (and has been doing so for some time) been drinking alcohol as an 18 year old, with other underage people, and even ppl 21 and older, with just “the guys” and also some young women. This is occurring without adult supervision (again, a parent being in bed asleep, asleep on the couch or otherwise not directly supervising them does not count as supervision) and in various locations. In our state, it is legal for a minor to consume alcohol on their private property, with parental permission and supervision. I personally think he should not be allowed to consume alcohol without a responsible adult (i,e, a parent) present and he should at least not be drinking with young women around as many different things could happen with the diminished capacity for reason and ability to make moral decisions. Am I overreacting?

 

[Brendea]

You are not over reacting and as a parent with a teenage girl I find this refreshing.
Everyone needs rules regarding teenagers drinking also time and time again I’ve seen 18 year old go out and get drunk there first night out and not no where they are and needing there stomach pumped and ending up in terrible positions beacuse they did not learn responsible drinking at home ( legal drinking age here is 18) but you also have to realise that what’s ok with some parents isn’t ok with others

 

[Convert3]

You’re not overreacting. I’ve seen too many lives ruined by irresponsible behavior with alcohol.

 

[1ke]

While it is indeed imprudent, and you aren’t “overreacting”, it is also not your decision as it is not your adult child in question.

You’ve made your opinion known.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

In my country people can drink when they become adults, thats at 18 years of age.

I think it has more to do with the type of person, then the age of the person. And the grounding that person gets in their forming years.

 

[LisaB]

If you are asking for general opinions on the matter, I think it’s a good idea to teach kids how to drink responsibly way before they turn 18, starting around 16 maybe. Having a drink with dinner at the family table for example. This doesn’t only make them learn how alcohol affects them, but normalizes alcohol so it’s not this forbidden and therefore cool thing to overdo the first time they find themselves with friends and without adults.

Secondly, an 18 year old is an adult. There really isn’t such a thing as adult supervision of an 18 year old. Adults make their own choices. Yes, it’s illegal here in the States, so if they choose to do something illegal and get caught, it’s on them, not the parents. I think this law is silly, personally, but that’s a separate question.

 

[AHapka]

As a former deputy sheriff in the state of Wisconsin, let me make this clear. It is NOT illegal for an 18 year old to drink with his/her parents. As well as some other states.

In Wisconsin a 16 year old can go into a bar with you and drink (of course, the bar may refuse to serve them), but it is not in any way illegal.

Of course, state laws differ. Just making my point that it is NOT always illegal.