Why would you not want to drink alcohol as a teenager?
Underage drinking leads to academic problems in school, legal problems, physical and sexual assaults, unwanted pregnancies, suicides, vehicle crashes, abuse of other drugs, and lifelong impacts on brain development. Most teens are exposed to alcohol, and there is no “typical” youth who drinks.
How bad is it for teenagers to drink?
Young people are at greater risk of alcohol-related harm than adults. As the brain keeps developing into the mid-twenties, drinking alcohol as a teenager can greatly increase the risk of damage to the developing brain. It can also lead to problems with alcohol later in life.
Is it normal for high schoolers to drink?
In 1991, about half of high school students reported consuming alcohol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2015, less than 18 percent of high-schoolers drank. That 65 percent decline is news to celebrate. But here’s the bad news: Many of today’s teens who drink do so in excess.
Is it OK for a 16 year old to drink alcohol?
Although it’s illegal to buy alcohol in the United States until the age of 21, most teens can get access to it. It’s therefore up to you to make a decision about drinking. In addition to the possibility of becoming addicted, there are some downsides to drinking: The punishment is severe.
What are the risks of substance use among teens?
One such risk is the use of substances, such as alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other drugs. Parents can help by talking to their teen’s pediatrician about screening for substance use. Substance use by teens can have a big impact on their health and well-being.
What can I do to prevent my teen from using drugs?
Consider other strategies to prevent teen drug abuse: Know your teen’s activities. Pay attention to your teen’s whereabouts. Establish rules and consequences. Explain your family rules and what the consequences of using drugs will be. Know your teen’s friends. If your teen’s friends abuse drugs, your teen might feel pressure to experiment, too.
What is peer pressure on teens to drink alcohol?
Peer Pressure of Teen Drinking. Underage alcohol abuse is considered to be a major public health concern within the US, contributing to injuries, accidents, crimes, poor school performance, and even death. Alcohol impairs judgment and interferes with normal brain function, and can even disrupt healthy brain development when introduced too young.
What are the main causes of teenage drinking?
Peer Pressure of Teen Drinking. Genetics and biological factors can heighten the risk that a person will drink and suffer from issues surrounding alcohol abuse. Alcohol can be consumed as a coping mechanism too, to temporarily mediate stress and anxiety. Another major contributor to teen drinking is the influence of their peers, or peer pressure.