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Originally Posted by beanie Lets face it, it being at 18 doesn't stop people getting hold of it, so it being 21 will just mean the number of underage drinkers will increase. What is needed is better education about alcohol, more responsibility taken by parents and a more grown up atitude full stop. I drank underage, and my dad used to buy me half a pint on a sunday lunchtime at the age of 16. I was allowed to drink at home, never to excess but a glass of wine etc and when I turned 18 having a drink wasn't a big deal. Yes there have been times I have gone out and got absolutely wasted but I have never been one for excessive alcohol consumption and nowadays I hardly drink (well obviously not much now). I think we need to look at our societal norms - such as this lad culture where it is almost expected that you go out and drink as much as you can. Other European countries don't seem to have the problems we do, I used to live in Germnay (famous for its beer and bierfests etc) and they don't seem to have the issues we do. |
I agree, im part French (my nan, great aunt - mums side) so it has never been a big deal to have a glass of red wine with dinner.. when we were younger we'd have it mixed with water. When we were younger at christmas/new years eve, our mum would let us have a bit of champagne or any other drink we wanted - we were at home celebrating and mum made sure we were fine obviously and wouldn't let us drink too much. We have been given freedom to do whatever we want (within reason of course) and have never had a reason to rebel. If you stop these kids/teens from drinking until they reach 21 they will do it even more.