Is your child drinking alcohol before the age of consent? (Underage Drinking) Let's talk about this!

Today we are going to talk about a topic that is very important to many parents and young children. That is, before the age, that is, before the age allowed by law, children Drinking alcohol . This is really not something to be taken lightly. Let's look at what the effects of this can be, why kids are drawn to it, and what we as parents can do to prevent it.

What is underage drinking?

Simply put, underage drinking is the drinking of alcohol by someone who is younger than the legal drinking age in a country. Now, this legal age can vary from country to country, and sometimes even from region to region within the same country. For example, in the United States, this age is 21. Sri Lanka also has a legal age limit for purchasing and consuming alcohol. In some countries, there may be some relaxation of these age limits with parental permission, or depending on the type of alcohol. But in general, what we are talking about is drinking alcohol before the prescribed age.

What are the possible effects of drinking alcohol before age?

There are many reasons why this is a very serious health issue. One major reason is that even in a country like the United States, about 4,000 people under the age of 21 die every year from excessive alcohol consumption. That alone makes it clear how dangerous this is, doesn't it?

Impact on brain development

Even more dangerous is the damage that early alcohol consumption can do to a child's developing brain . Think about it, your child's brain is not fully developed until they are about 25 years old. And it is at a very sensitive stage. So, research has shown that drinking alcohol during this time can cause long-term, possibly lifelong, damage to the brain. This is like damaging the foundation of a new house before it is properly laid.

Other health and social problems

Young children who drink alcohol before their due age are more likely to face a number of other problems, such as:

• Increased risk of alcohol use disorders (`Alcohol Use Disorder`), alcohol poisoning (`Alcohol Poisoning`) , and other substance use disorders (`Substance Use Disorders`).
• Legal issues; for example, arrests for drunk driving or public drunkenness.
• Disruptions to school education; things like dropping grades, cutting classes.
• Difficulties in social relationships; relationships with friends and family may become strained.
• Engaging in unplanned or unprotected sexual activity, which increases the risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) .
• Violent behavior (harming oneself or others), physical and sexual abuse , or being subjected to them.

Look how many problems this one thing can cause. So we need to be very careful about this.

Why are young people tempted to drink alcohol?

There is actually not one reason why young people are tempted to drink alcohol before the age of consent, but many reasons can contribute to this. Sometimes one or more of these reasons come together to lead to this situation. See if these things sound familiar to you:

• Curiosity: Many young people try alcohol out of curiosity. They may think, "Oh, let's see how this feels."
• Expected effects: Some people say that drinking alcohol relaxes the mind and reduces stress. Hearing things like that, young people may be tempted to drink in the hope of that "relaxation."
• Family influence: The attitudes of family members toward alcohol – both positive and negative – can influence a young person’s decision to drink. When a child sees adults in the family regularly drinking, it can seem normal to them.
• Ignorance of the risks and effects: Many young people experiment with alcohol because they are not fully aware of the potential negative consequences, or because they do not fully understand it.
• Peer Pressure: This is a common factor. When friends drink, they may hear things like, "Why aren't you the only one drinking?" or they may drink without saying a word, fearing rejection from their friends, hoping for acceptance from others. Pressure from family and the media (online, movies, TV shows) can also play a role.

How do I know if my child is drinking alcohol?

Sometimes it can be difficult for you to distinguish the signs of pre-teen drinking from the normal behavior of young children. Because things like sleeping too much, hanging your head, and physical difficulties are all common in young people.

However, if your child shows several of these warning signs at once , or if the signs seem very severe , you may have reason to be a little more concerned. These warning signs may include:

• Decreased concern for one's appearance and cleanliness.
• Changing groups of friends, especially meeting new friends who you don't want to introduce yourself to.
• Feeling tired all the time and unable to do anything.
• Finding things like alcohol bottles in unusual or hidden places, especially among the child's belongings, or the alcohol in the house seems to be decreasing.
• Hangover symptoms after drinking alcohol include headaches, nausea, and red eyes.
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering.
• Uncontrolled jerking of the body, tongue-tiedness when speaking.
• Sudden mood swings, especially big ones, getting angry quickly, getting angry, and speaking out against everything.
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
• Problems with schoolwork, poor grades, and absenteeism.
• The smell of alcohol from the mouth, or an apparent attempt to hide the smell (e.g., frequent chewing of gum, use of mouthwash).

How to prevent a child from drinking alcohol before adulthood?

Premature drinking is not 100% preventable. But talking to your child about it can make a big difference . And the sooner you start this conversation, the better . A 2023 survey found that only one in 100 12-13 year-olds had tried alcohol in the past month. But when you look at young people aged 16-17, that number has increased to one in seven. That means the problem is getting worse.

When you talk to your child about this, it's a good idea to focus on these things:

• Show that you are paying attention: If your child feels that you are paying attention to their behavior and that they will be caught if they do something wrong, they are less likely to try alcohol. Let them know that you are concerned about their safety, so you are on the lookout for risky behavior.
• Clear expectations: Make it clear to your child that you absolutely do not approve of underage drinking. Also, talk to them about the consequences of doing so.
• Helping them learn more: Young people often learn about alcohol from friends, the media, or other sources that contain misinformation. So teach them how to find and use reliable sources. Share real information with them about the risks of alcohol.
• Trust: Your child needs to feel that you trust them and that you think they will make the right decisions. Together, make a plan to stay sober. For example, if your child wants to come home from a party, you can choose a ``code word'' to send to you.
• Explaining why you are doing these things: Make sure your child understands that you are doing all of this for their safety. As a parent, the last thing you want is for your child to get into trouble. That trouble includes all the bad, dangerous effects that early drinking can have.

How common is underage drinking?

This is a truly significant public health problem. According to what researchers found in 2023:

• One in every 7 people between the ages of 12 and 20 has drunk alcohol at least once in the past 30 days.
• One in every 12 people has binge-drinked (meaning men drink five or more units of alcohol on one occasion, and women drink four or more units of alcohol on one occasion).
• Girls are more likely than boys to drink alcohol at a slightly earlier age and to engage in binge drinking.

Also, as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports:

• About one in six young people have been in a car with a driver who has been drinking.
• It has been reported that about one in 20 high school students have driven while drinking alcohol.

These statistics alone show how widespread this problem is.

What should I do if I suspect/find out that my child is drinking alcohol?

Imagine if you suspect or confirm that your child is drinking alcohol. First, take a deep breath . It's normal to feel sad, worried, and anxious. However, experts advise that you talk to your child in a calm, non-threatening way . Here are some things you can do to help:

• Ask open-ended questions: This means asking questions that cannot be answered with a "yes" or "no." For example, you can ask what he thinks about alcohol, how his friends and peers talk about alcohol, etc.
• Let him ask you questions, and answer honestly: Talking honestly and openly about your own experiences and what you've faced with alcohol can be a bit difficult. However, that honesty will go a long way in building a stronger bond and understanding between you and your child.
• Make your expectations clear: Don't assume your child knows what you want or how you will respond. Tell him exactly what you expect from him.
• Set boundaries: It's a good idea to involve your child in this. By helping them set their own boundaries, they will feel that you respect and trust them.

If necessary, your child's doctor can also be a resource for you in this regard. He/she can talk to your child further about alcohol and its risks. He/she can also make recommendations if your child needs further support regarding alcohol, such as counseling or rehab.

Finally, the most important thing

Your child is already growing up fast, so the thought of him or her drinking too much can be especially troubling. Talking to your child about drinking too much – especially before they start – can be a bit of a challenge. But your words have more power over your child than you might think .

Remember, even if you have reason to suspect or even if you know that your child has started drinking alcohol before the age of consent, it's still not too late to talk to them and help them.

If you need more support in this regard, talk to your child's doctor. He/she can give you guidance and advice on what you can do to help your child. It is our responsibility to secure the future of our children.

` Underage drinking, young drinking, child drinking, effects of alcohol, children and alcohol, alcohol prevention, teenage drinking