tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677693422985175025.post6007492453332923147..comments2008-08-23T15:25:36.356-05:00MamaFlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14581737368708159441noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677693422985175025.post-22552957713348924362008-08-23T15:25:00.000-05:002008-08-23T15:25:00.000-05:00The drinking age in UK is 18 and we have a serious binge drinking problem. Not just with 18+ kids but even younger ones.<BR/><BR/>I first got drunk at 14, it didn't put me off but I was never a big drinker.<BR/><BR/>Nowadays I don't drink at all.LadyBananahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02950585926431895778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677693422985175025.post-72813631699179860752008-08-20T20:16:00.000-05:002008-08-20T20:16:00.000-05:00Great topic!<BR/><BR/>I think underage kids want to drink because they are told that they can't. If it was legal for them to do so, it might not be such a big deal to them. When I turned 21, the thrill was no longer there for me and I drank less.<BR/><BR/>On the other hand, someone under the age of 21, in my opinion, probably isn't mature enough or responsible enough to be allowed to legally drink alcohol. In fact, when I think back, I probably still wasn't mature enough at 25. <BR/><BR/>Unfortunately though, if they want to drink, it doesn't matter what the age limit is. They'll find a way to do it anyway.lynda whttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13941409217749463253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677693422985175025.post-83214198037286029402008-08-20T19:45:00.000-05:002008-08-20T19:45:00.000-05:00I don't think you can lump together all kids at 18. Some kids aren't worth a plugged nickel at 18, 21, 25, 30.<BR/>The military part applies but only to a small segment of our society that volunteers and even then some of the men/women in the military are there to keep from going to jail, they don't deserve a drink at 18 either. When I was in the Army back in the early 70's, some states had 18 as the legal drinking age, beer and wine here in Texas but you know what - soda pop and candy was considered contraband while we were in training - do you think they would let us drink? When I got out of training yes I drank and should I have - NO, I did things I would have never done otherwise and regardless of whether I was in the milititary or not, I wasn't old enough to make some decisions and especially under the influence.<BR/><BR/>Why do kids/adults want/need to drink alcohol is probably the question that needs to be answered - is it peer pressure, are they trying to escape something/someone, run away, what's happening in their lives?<BR/>If they just like the taste then they could drink a non-alcoholic brand. If it's to take the edge off then they need to find their help somewhere besides a bottle.<BR/><BR/>Most kids will in fact drink but that isn't a reason to condone that decision.<BR/><BR/>My belief is that this issue needs a great deal of debate before a decision is reached.MamaFlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14581737368708159441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677693422985175025.post-33207237450649314932008-08-20T14:06:00.000-05:002008-08-20T14:06:00.000-05:00I think our society has issues surrounding drinking that are bigger than the age, but that would be a whole other topic.<BR/><BR/>I think that if 18 is adult enough to vote and to be sent into harm's way and possibly die to defend my country that it's gotta be pretty close to old enough to drink by my math, but you know how I am with the math. ;)maggies mindhttp://maggiesmind.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677693422985175025.post-34955395648934930312008-08-20T09:18:00.000-05:002008-08-20T09:18:00.000-05:00I had my first drink when I was 14. I think the years between 18 and 21 were the most difficult, and yes, I would binge drink much more. I'd have to -- I'd drink as much as possible, and then go out to the clubs for the rest of the night where I couldn't drink.<BR/><BR/>Once I turned 21 I had a short period of wild nights, which quickly calmed down. It's amazing how much being able to drink causes you to find that it's not so important. <BR/><BR/>Are we mature enough yet at 18? Surely not, but then neither are we at 21. But as long as we're mature enough to do anything else at all, I don't see why the drinking age is any different. Will I feel the same way when my kids are 18? Surely I will, because I know that a legal age of 21 is not going to make a scrap of difference to them, and they will find ways to drink anyway.Brandiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17979255140890156113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677693422985175025.post-27979309576997957742008-08-20T05:32:00.000-05:002008-08-20T05:32:00.000-05:00i heard about this somewhere and i don't know how i feel about it. college kids will find a way to get alcohol <BR/><BR/>i don't remember my first drink, but i was wayyy over 21 and guess what? i drink more now than ever. <BR/><BR/>i wonder if lowering the age, kills the "excitement" of it.Naturalhttp://www.valeriemorrison.net/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677693422985175025.post-68544869573760475212008-08-20T02:23:00.000-05:002008-08-20T02:23:00.000-05:00Mama I am so glad you posted this question. I know a lot of reality in this situation. My son is 18, most of his class drinks and have all year. It is ridiculous to think they would not. If you look at it from their viewpoint I get it, they can die for their country. They can get a credit card, college bills are in their name. They can take themselves to the doctor, and make all kinds of decisions on the health care. But God forbid they have a beer, for years I have thought this law was passe. Now that my son is that age I truly believe it is just stupid. And I also think many go the pot route, because they are considered illegal drug items for their age. <BR/><BR/>I just think it puts it underground and in unsafe areas. We have taught our son not to drink and drive, but other than that he has the ability to find alcohol anywhere. It is very accessible, which is what you don't want.<BR/><BR/>Okay rant is over, I am glad you asked this!<BR/><BR/>Like I may not have mentioned I would love it if no kid at 18 wants a beer but they do, and I am a realist.Kathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17380878537519726863noreply@blogger.com