Today we are going to talk about a topic that worries many parents, both you and me, and that we as a society need to pay attention to. That is, the drinking of alcohol by our young children, that is, children who are not yet of legal age to consume alcohol. Just think of how much damage this habit can do to the lives of these little flowers. So, let's talk about this in detail, shall we?
What exactly is underage drinking?
Simply put, underage drinking is drinking alcohol before the legal drinking age, that is, someone who is younger than that age. Now look, in a country like America, the minimum legal drinking age is 21 years. However, this age limit can vary from country to country, and sometimes even from region to region within the same country. In our country, 21 years is generally considered the minimum age to purchase alcohol and consume it in licensed places.
Also, some countries have some exceptions to these age limits, i.e. special permits. For example, with parental permission, or depending on the type of alcohol, these rules may vary slightly depending on the place where it is served. However, the most important thing is that it is very dangerous for a child to drink alcohol at an age when they are not yet physically and mentally ready to handle the effects of alcohol.
What problems can arise from drinking alcohol at a young age?
There are a number of reasons why underage drinking is a serious health problem. In fact, statistics show that in a country like America, about 4,000 young people under the age of 21 die every year from excessive drinking. How sad, isn't it?
Not only that, a child's brain doesn't fully develop until they're about 25 years old. At the same time, a child's brain is very sensitive. Research has shown that drinking alcohol during this time can cause long-term, possibly permanent, damage to the brain. Imagine how this could affect a child's future.
Young children who drink alcohol at an early age may face a number of other problems, such as:
- There is an increased risk of alcohol use disorders, alcohol poisoning , and other drug use and substance use disorders.
- Legal problems may arise. For example, you may be arrested for drunk driving or for being drunk in public places.
- School education may be disrupted. Grades may drop, classes may be cut, etc.
- Social relationships can also be problematic. It becomes difficult to maintain relationships with friends, and problems arise with family members.
- You may engage in unplanned, unprotected sexual intercourse, which can lead to unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) .
- They may resort to violent behavior (to themselves or others), including physical and sexual abuse.
Looking at these effects, you probably understand how serious it is to drink alcohol at a young age.
Why do our children turn to alcohol at a young age?
There is not one reason why children and young people are tempted to drink alcohol at an early age, but many reasons. Sometimes, it is not one, but a combination of several reasons that lead the child to that direction. Let's see what they are:
- Curiosity: Many young people try alcohol out of curiosity, "How does this feel?" Out of curiosity, out
- Expected effects: Some young people drink alcohol because they hear that it relaxes them and reduces stress. They are stuck in misconceptions such as "drinking makes you forget your problems."
- Family influence: Family attitudes toward alcohol – whether they are good or bad – can influence a young person’s decision to drink. If adults in the family regularly drink alcohol, it may be seen as normal by the child.
- Ignorance of risks and effects: Many young people experiment with alcohol because they are not fully aware of its potential negative effects, that is, its risks. They think, "A little drink won't hurt anything."
- Peer pressure: This is a very influential factor. Some young people drink alcohol in order to gain approval from their friends, or because they are afraid of being judged. Pressure from family and the media (internet, movies, TV) can also play a role. Imagine, when a group of friends ask at a party, "Are you the only one who doesn't drink?", some kids find it difficult to resist.
How do I know if my child is drinking alcohol?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell if your child is drinking alcohol from their normal behavior, as the signs of underage drinking , such as excessive sleeping, frequent tantrums, and physical problems, can also be common in young children.
However, if your child shows several of these warning signs at once, or if the signs seem a little severe, you may have reason to be a little more concerned. These warning signs are:
- Decreasing concern for one's appearance and cleanliness.
- Changes in your friend groups, especially new friends you don't want to introduce to you.
- Feeling tired and exhausted all the time.
- Finding alcohol among the child's belongings, or in unusual, secret places. Feeling like the alcohol in the house is running low.
- Showing symptoms similar to hangover symptoms after drinking alcohol, such as headaches, nausea, and red eyes .
- Difficulty concentrating and remembering things.
- Losing control of your body, slurring your words when speaking.
- Major mood swings, especially irritability, irritability, and defensiveness.
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy.
- Problems related to schoolwork. Like dropping grades, skipping classes.
- The smell of alcohol on the breath, or an apparent attempt to hide the smell.
How can I prevent my child from drinking alcohol at a young age?
Underage 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 showed that only one in 100 12-13 year-olds had tried alcohol in the past month. However, when looking at young people aged 16-17, that number had increased to one in seven.
When you talk to your child about underage drinking, it's a good idea to communicate these points:
- Awareness: If your child thinks 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 love them enough to look into their risky behavior.
- Clear expectations: Make it clear to your child that you do not approve of underage drinking. Also, talk to them about the consequences they will face if they drink underage.
- How to learn more: Young people often learn about alcohol from friends, the media, or other sources of misinformation. Teach them how to find and use reliable sources. Share real information with them about the risks of alcohol.
- Trust: Your child needs to know that you trust them and that they will make the right decisions. Make a plan together about staying sober. For example, if your child needs help getting home from a party, you can choose a secret word to text.
- Why you do this: Let your child know that you care about their safety. As a parent, you never want your child to get into trouble. That includes exposing them to the harmful and dangerous effects of underage drinking.
How common is underage drinking?
Underage drinking is a significant public health problem. As researchers found in 2023 (please note that these are American data):
- One in seven people between the ages of 12 and 20 have drunk alcohol at least once in the past 30 days.
- One in 12 people have binge-drinked (meaning drinking five or more drinks in a row for a boy, four or more drinks for a girl).
- Girls are slightly more likely to drink alcohol at a younger age and to engage in binge drinking.
Also, as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports:
- About one in six people has traveled in a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.
- It has been reported that about one in 20 A/L students have driven after drinking alcohol.
This data shows how serious this problem is. While the situation in our country may not be the same, the risk is everywhere.
What should I do if I suspect my child is drinking alcohol?
If you suspect or confirm that your child is drinking alcohol, don't panic at first. It's normal to feel sad and worried. However, experts recommend having a calm, non-threatening conversation with your child. Here are some things you can do to help:
- Ask open-ended questions: This means asking questions that cannot be answered with just a "yes/no." For example, ask them what they think about alcohol, how their friends talk about it, etc.
- Let them ask you questions, and answer honestly: Talking honestly and openly about your own experiences (with alcohol) can be a little difficult. However, that honesty will help you build a stronger bond and understanding with your child.
- Make your expectations clear: Don't assume your child knows what you expect of them or how you will respond. Tell them exactly what you expect of them.
- Set boundaries: It's a good idea to involve your child in this. Helping them set their own boundaries shows that you respect them and trust them.
If necessary, your child's doctor can also be a resource in this regard. He/she can talk to your child further about alcohol and its risks. He/she can also recommend treatment, such as counseling or rehab, if your child needs more support with alcohol.
Finally, things to remember
Your child is already growing up fast, and the thought of them drinking alcohol before the appropriate age can be especially troubling. Talking to your child about underage drinking – especially before they start – can feel a little challenging. But your words have more power than you think.
If you have reason to believe that your child is starting to drink alcohol at an early age, it's not too late to talk to them and help them. If you need more support, talk to their doctor. He/she can give you guidance and advice on what you can do to help your child. Remember, you are not alone, and never hesitate to ask for help on this journey.
` Underage drinking, youth alcohol use, children and alcohol, effects of alcohol, alcohol addiction, teenage alcoholism, parenting advice
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