Power of Parents ® High School Handbook
Chapter 2
“If I can fight in the war, why can’t I have a beer?” From teens:
It’s Biology, not Maturity
“It’s not that big of a deal; she’s mature for her age. She can have a drink now and again.” From parents:
Common pushbacks we hear...
However, the reason federal law requires individuals to be 21 before they can legally drink alcohol has everything to do with biology, not maturity. You see, your brain is not fully developed until you’re in your mid-20s. It’s not that teens aren’t mature enough to drink alcohol, it’s that their brain isn’t done developing, and alcohol or other substances severely hinder that growth and development. Not to mention that dozens of research studies all confirm that the 21 minimum drinking age law protects youth and saves about 800 lives a year.
They encounter new moral dilemmas about risky behaviors, alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs.
Their bodies mature and develop.
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