Many of us would like to use the "European Model" for teaching our children to use alcohol safely and wisely. We have an image (or overseas experience) that suggests that the Europeans, who allow teens to drink at younger ages, sit and enjoy a leisurely glass of wine while gathering with family or friends. Unfortunately, the reality is very different.
In 2003 the Department of Justice published a comparison of youth drinking rates in Europe as compared to the US. Specifically looking at the incidence of heavy drinking, US teens come in second to last in terms of prevalence of heavy drinking. Only Turkey has lower rates of heavy drinking, and Turkey is a Muslim country (Islam bans drinking alcohol.)
Last year Germany began considering raising their drinking age. Now France is considering curbing binge drinking by raising their drinking age from 16 to 18. You can hear a report on the BBC News show The World.
The Science is clear. Teenaged drinking is dangerous, and introducing teens to drinking is more likely to lead to abuse. Click on the links and see that Europe is starting to pay attention, too.
