There are several reasons why the drinking age should remain at 21.
First and foremost, the human brain continues to develop until the age of 25, and alcohol can have a detrimental effect on brain development. When young people drink alcohol, it can interfere with the development of the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and judgment. This can lead to a higher risk of accidents, injuries, and risky behavior. By keeping the drinking age at 21, we can help protect young people from the negative consequences of alcohol on brain development.
Second, research has shown that the younger people are when they start drinking, the more likely they are to develop alcohol use disorders later in life. This is especially true for those who start drinking before the age of 15. By keeping the drinking age at 21, we can help reduce the risk of young people developing alcohol use disorders later in life.
Third, the 21-year-old drinking age has been effective in reducing drunk driving fatalities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 21-year-old drinking age has been associated with a significant decrease in drunk driving fatalities among young people. This is because it is illegal for people under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol, which helps to reduce the number of young people who are driving while intoxicated.
Fourth, the 21-year-old drinking age is consistent with the age of majority in the United States. The age of majority is the age at which a person is legally considered an adult and is able to vote, serve on a jury, and join the military. By keeping the drinking age at 21, we are aligning the legal drinking age with the age of majority, which helps to establish a clear and consistent set of rules for young people as they transition into adulthood.
In conclusion, there are several reasons to keep the drinking age at 21. This age helps to protect young people from the negative effects of alcohol on brain development, reduces the risk of alcohol use disorders, lowers the number of drunk driving fatalities, and is consistent with the age of majority.