Teenage Drinking By John Thatcher

Teenage drinking is a worrying trend that seems to have only worsened in recent years. Movies and music videos glamorize alcohol in a way that seems almost irresistible, and social media means that the ability to share exploits online has caused a spike in the number of teenagers who are eager to show off their wild parties and up their social cred through new media. Meanwhile, it is as difficult as ever to monitor, as underage drinkers still utilize the age-old methods of securing alcohol for their parties and wild nights out.

A Dangerous Trend

This inability to monitor is exactly what makes teenage drinking so dangerous. Partying teenagers are able to not only break the law, but it is near impossible to limit the quantity of alcohol that is consumed by a demographic who are not typically renowned for their exemplary self-control. Another knock-on effect of this is on teenage drivers. Adults are unable to step in and say “you’ve had too much to drive,” as they are not even aware that their children are drinking.

According to one survey, as many as 39 percent, almost two-fifths, of high school students admitted to drinking regularly. Furthermore, almost one in ten said that they had driven a car under the influence, and a quarter admitted to having been a passenger in the car of someone who had been drinking. It is difficult to crack down on these sorts of things as many parents are not even aware that their parents are drinking, and these are the sorts of things that teenagers try extra hard to hide.

What Can We Do?

A lot of the problem can be solved through education and proper parenting. Teenagers must want to be safe about the decisions that they are making, and they must realize the dangerous consequences of their actions. Teaching teenagers about the legal, as well as the personal ramifications of alcohol use is incredibly important, but often parents are not even aware. There have been a number of recent examples of parents who allow their children to have parties, even hosting them on occasion, that have involved the use of alcohol. This sort of thing is not only against the law but could result in up to a year of prison time.

Drunk driving is another thing that is not limited to teenagers. But teaching people safe driving habits at a young age could save not only teenagers, but a lot of people further along the road, nipping dangerous driving habits in the bud. A good idea might be to require defensive driving courses to all teenagers so that they have a background knowledge that they can carry forward for the rest of their lives.

Teenage drinking is no party and certainly no joke. If we do not do anything about it, teenagers will continue to suffer the consequences.

John Thatcher is a freelance writer for DefensiveDriving.com