Just because the legal drinking age in the United States is currently 21 doesn't mean that all teenagers pay attention to it. While some adhere to the law and wait until the legal age, there are some who choose to drink in their teen years. Even though they shouldn't drink alcohol, teens have their reasons for doing so and those reasons can vary from person to person.
Significance
Understanding why teenagers today choose to drink alcohol can help you talk to your own child about the importance of not drinking at all until he is of legal age and about responsible drinking thereafter. You may be able to relate to him better on this issue if you understand the reasons behind the decisions he makes. If a teen feels like you don't have any awareness of the pressures he is going through on a daily basis, he may be less likely to listen to what you have to say.
Warning
Don't hesitate talking to your child as early as possible about resisting alcohol, even if she gets teased and taunted for doing so. You shouldn't have the impression that a teen might only get the opportunity to drink once she is 18 or 19 years old. Surprisingly, some children start drinking alcohol before they even get to their teenage years. If you have the conversation before she gets offered her first drink, you may be able to get into her head about how dangerous alcohol can be and why she should wait until she is much older.
Types
One of the main reasons teens drink alcoho is peer pressure. They feel compelled to take a drink or two because their friends are doing it and they want to look cool. Another reason is that some teens get a rush out of doing something illegal. Since many teens don't get caught, they feel like the risk is worth it. Also, some teens may feel that they could be more relaxed or happy if they drink. Some may use it as an escape from their day-to-day life.
Effects
There can be many negative effects of a teenager drinking alcohol. First and foremost, it's illegal and he could get in some serious trouble. In addition, many teens who try alcohol don't know their limit or when to stop. Some continue to drink until they get physically ill and some get alcohol poisoning and could even die. Also, some teenagers make the mistake of drinking and driving and in some cases, they hurt or kill themselves or others. Some teens even get addicted to alcohol and it affects their entire lives.
Prevention/Solution
You should make sure to repeatedly talk to your children about how important not drinking alcohol is. One conversation when they're young isn't enough as they can forget it or ignore it over the years. Talk to them over time to make sure that they thoroughly understand. In addition, be interested in their life, meet who they are hanging out with and let them know that they can talk to you about anything.
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