Lowering The Drinking Age: an Analysis of The Pros and Cons

Introduction

The legal drinking age in the United States has been a topic of debate for decades. Currently, the minimum legal drinking age is 21 years in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. However, many argue that the drinking age should be lowered to 18 or 19 years old. Proponents believe a lower drinking age would better address issues like binge drinking among college students. Opponents argue that keeping the drinking age at 21 saves lives and protects public health. This essay will examine arguments on both sides of this debate and provide an overview of the key issues surrounding the legal drinking age.

Arguments for Lowering the Drinking Age

One common argument in favor of lowering the drinking age is that it may help curb binge drinking among college students. The 21 year old drinking age means that drinking is prohibited on college campuses. This leads many students to binge drink in secret to avoid getting caught, often without moderation or supervision. Proponents believe that a lower drinking age would allow colleges to educate students about responsible alcohol consumption. Having legal and monitored on-campus alcohol consumption could potentially reduce hazardous binge drinking behaviors.

Another argument for lowering the drinking age relates to the rights of young adults between 18-20 years old. Adults at this age are able to vote, get married, serve in the military and sign legal contracts. However, they cannot legally purchase or consume alcohol. Many believe this inconsistency is unfair, arguing that if young adults have adult responsibilities, they should also have the right to drink alcohol. Some have even argued that keeping the drinking age at 21 infringes on individual liberties.

Lowering the drinking age may also improve traffic safety, some argue. The 21 year old drinking age means many underage college students drive long distances to bordering states with an 18 year old drinking age to drink legally. This can increase drunk driving as students drive back home while intoxicated. A lower national drinking age could potentially reduce drunk driving by eliminating these drives across state borders to drink legally.

Arguments Against Lowering the Drinking Age

Despite these arguments, many oppose lowering the drinking age due to concerns over public health and safety. One major concern is the impact on young people's brain development. Research shows that the brain continues developing into a person's mid-20s. Alcohol can interfere with this development, especially in teens and young adults. Keeping the drinking age at 21 helps limit exposure during this vulnerable developmental period.

Lowering the drinking age could also negatively impact public health more broadly. Studies show that the 21 year old drinking age reduces alcohol consumption among youth and drunk driving fatalities involving underage drinkers. One nationwide study found that laws increasing the drinking age to 21 saved an estimated 19,121 lives between 1975 and 2016. Opponents argue lowering the drinking age would reverse these public health benefits.

There are also concerns about the impact of legalized drinking on academic performance. Alcohol abuse among college students is already a major issue, with heavy drinking linked to poor grades and higher drop-out rates. Further enabling alcohol consumption by lowering the drinking age may exacerbate these issues and lead more young people to put their health and academics at risk.

The Debate Surrounding the Drinking Age

The drinking age in the U.S. has fluctuated over the last century. During the temperance movement in the 1920s, the drinking age increased to 21 years old. But during the Vietnam War era, many states lowered it back down to 18. Concerns over binge drinking and alcohol-related deaths among young people sparked the raising of the drinking age to 21 nationally in 1984. The debate today continues between those who want to lower the age back to 18, and those arguing to keep it at 21.

Underlying cultural attitudes also factor into the debate on the drinking age. Some argue that the U.S. culture embraces alcohol at a younger age compared to other countries. For example, the minimum drinking age is lower than 21 in many European countries. There are also concerns that prohibiting alcohol leads to thrill-seeking behaviors. Some believe allowing supervised alcohol consumption at a younger age could lead to a healthier relationship with alcohol.

Despite valid points on both sides, the decision ultimately carries major public health implications. Lowering the drinking age could normalize drinking for high school seniors, leading to lasting consequences. But maintaining the status quo means limiting the liberties of legal adults ages 18-20. There are also debates around potential unintended consequences, like increased drunk driving or continued binge drinking. Overall, more research is still needed to guide appropriate policy to serve the public good.

Conclusion

The debate over lowering the drinking age involves weighing individual liberties against public health outcomes. Valid concerns exist on both sides of the argument. While lowering the drinking age could address issues like binge drinking, it may have unintended health consequences. Conversely, keeping the age at 21 protects adolescents but limits the rights of legal adults. Overall, this remains a complex issue with compelling points on each side. In evaluating drinking age policies, decision makers must closely examine the research and balance the risks, benefits and responsibilities. An open and thoughtful assessment of the evidence and ethics is needed to determine the right policy for society.