Teens drinking at Epcot

[skoi]

Just curious if there are any studies that can be linked to on the non-drinking kids drinking more at college thing? My nephews were allowed to drink in their home (as well as their friends) and both of them are heavy drinkers now that they're adults. One even put his military career in jeopardy due to underage drinking. Everyone has anecdotes, just wondering what the facts are. My personal experiences and observations in daily life, and as a college instructor with the "rebellion thing" are the opposite of what most people are posting.

Also- look at the alcoholism rates in Russia and all the problems they have in a society that's permissive with drinking early. And yes, I know there are other factors involved, but this is also true in the rates of alcoholism in the US v EU. In addition- how you're defining and measuring "alcoholism" and "drinking problem" is important.

On topic- yes, we would let our kids try at home. No one else's kids, however. We wouldn't want them to do this in someone else's home because we're not there to supervise. I wouldn't do it at Disney or any public venue because that's involving third parties who can be punished.

 

[Licorice]

I think we should change this topic to teens having sex at Epcot. Make love...not alcohol. I forgot who said that.

 

[oxfordcircus]

Just curious if there are any studies that can be linked to on the non-drinking kids drinking more at college thing?

Also- look at the alcoholism rates in Russia and all the problems they have in a society that's permissive with drinking early. And yes, I know there are other factors involved....

Skoi,

Since it took me 2 days to read this thread, you stole my question! I'd be curious to hear of any studies about the effects of parents' allowing their kids to drink at teens. Like you said, this post is full of anecdotal evidence (such as 10 year olds doing wiskey shots -- I think it would be easy to predict drinking problems in her future), but where are the studies and what other factors are at play? Honestly, I'd like to know so that I could make an informed decision on how to approach this topic with my children.

As for the Russia example, I think the stronger factor at play there would be the societal despair present in Russia (as well as other places). Poverty and drug/alcohol abuse are closely linked in Russia, the Choctaw Nation, America and everywhere else.

 

[oxfordcircus]

There's a reason that lawmakers have decided that you must be of a certain age to drink. You need to have a certain maturity level to understand the limits and the consequences of drinking.

My observation of the motivation of lawmakers has been that they rarely base their legislation on empirical evidence. I'll listen to other arguments regarding the pros and cons on this topic, but lawmaker integrity doesn't hold much sway with me.

In the case of the drinking age, there was a push (mandate) in the 80's by the Federal Government for all states to raise their drinking age. If a state didn't comply, they would lose their federal highway funding. Louisiana was the lone hold out, at least until their roads crumbled, then even they caved.

 

[budbeerlady]

NO, I wouldnt let a child do this. I dont think it is responsible. The law states 21 to drink. I wouldnt endanger a places Liquor License for a kid. At home a sip is one thing, but not in public.

 

[oxfordcircus]

Skoi,

where are the studies and what other factors are at play? Honestly, I'd like to know so that I could make an informed decision on how to approach this topic with my children.

I did find an older article with this intriguing quote:

Precollege drinking is especially worrisome given a central finding of
recent alcohol research. Dr. Hoover Adger, professor and pediatrician at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., has found that children who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to be alcohol dependent as adults. According to other studies, kids who start drinking early are also 10 times likelier to be involved in a fight after consuming alcohol, seven times likelier to be involved in a car accident and 12 times likelier to be injured. "Clearly, there is a huge benefit to delaying the first drink," says Adger.

The link is here: http://www.hws.edu/news/update/showwebclip.asp?webclipid=179

Something to consider for the OP and myself....

 

[oxfordcircus]

I did find an older article with this intriguing quote:

Here is another article, granted it is mostly about opinions on parents giving their kids alcohol, but still interesting and perhaps enlightening:

http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/15414.html

 

[Free4Life11]

Give them a sip of straight up vodka, no chaser. I'm sure they'll want to drink after that....