College students are questioning whether the legal age to purchase and consume alcohol in the United States should be changed, citing inconsistencies with other legal responsibilities granted at age 18.
Currently, 18-year-olds in the U.S. can vote, enlist in the military, and sign contracts, but they are required to wait until they turn 21 to legally purchase or drink alcohol. This discrepancy has left some students unsatisfied, with the debate centering around whether the age requirement should be lowered.
In many countries, such as Germany and Nepal, the legal drinking age is 16 and 18, respectively. Some students argue that the U.S. should adopt similar laws. Others, however, believe that lowering the drinking age could harm adolescents’ mental development.
“It must be lowered,” said Yozess Bozati, a University of Southern Mississippi student. “I’m from Nepal and I think it’s insane that if a 19-year-old and 22-year-old commit a horrible crime, they both get the same punishment, but when it comes to alcohol there’s an issue.”
While some students like Bozati support lowering the age, others are concerned about the potential effects of drinking at a younger age.
Nicole Hill, a current USM student, believes that if any change is made to alcohol laws, it should be to raise the age requirement. Hill pointed to research showing that alcohol consumption before age 21 can impair cognitive development and lead to memory loss.
“At twenty-one and above, you are more experienced and knowledgeable of the consequences from making bad decisions while drinking instead of when you’re eighteen,” Hill said.
The debate also extends to how drinking at 18 compares to drinking at 21. Patrick McGruder, another USM student, doesn’t think the U.S. needs to adjust its laws to align with other countries. He argues that other countries can have lower ages because they have different experiences and ways of living. He said they may be responsible in their location, but after watching the news in America his entire life, he doesn’t think Americans are ready for a change.
As students continue to discuss the issue, opinions remain divided. While some argue for consistency in legal responsibilities at 18, others believe the current drinking age serves as a critical safeguard against the risks of underage drinking.
The debate underscores the challenges of balancing legal maturity with public health and safety concerns.
