Precisely. I went to college in England for a semester and saw firsthand how drinking was not a big deal in the sense of “binge” drinking amongst 18-21 year olds ( who were at the bars I went to ). I was 21/22 at the time and it was weird to see kids who were obviously younger than me but they were raging drunks ordering shot after shot after shot.
I came to the conclusion that alcohol is a part of life there and was not pushed away but rather embraced as something that people can enjoy and use reasonably and responsibly. Of course there were really drunk people but no matter what age we choose there will be. I support 18 big time since it can be introduced to the newly aged adults by their parents and they can do it at home where the parents can discuss the affects and responsibilities of drinking instead of Joe Blow at college who loves to bong beer four at a time.
just my 2 pence, mate.
First, it is my impression that the UK has a HUGE alcohol problem amongst their youth. Can you provide some stats that this is not the case?
Second, teaching responsible drinking does not require drinking. You teach it first and foremost by your own behavior. Second, you teach your kids to be responsible people in ALL areas of their lives. Do you also think you have to let your kids start having sex at say, 16 so that you can teach them to be sexually responsible?
susie