Question for English Paper! Please Help?

[llblovesejw]

Okay. I'm writing a paper about Underage Drinking with Parental Permission and Supervision.
(Personally, my paper is against, but I want to know both sides.)

What I've got so far:

FOR:
- it may help restrict the alcohol in-take because it means parents are keeping an eye out right...?
- even if things do get out of hand, parents know their child is safe because they're with them. (exception: if the parent is also drinking).
- teenagers would learn how to handle alcohol better and learn more about consuming alcohol responsibly. That way, their first experience with alcohol isn't at a party when everyone is getting smashed.


AGAINST:
- why would some children be allowed to break the law because their parents said they could?
- addictions usually start at an early age. well, the earlier you start, the more prone you are to develop an addiction.
- during teenage years, the brain is not fully developed. alcohol stunts this development and kills brain cells before they are even done growing.


Anymore for or against?
[i would prefer against since that's what my paper's on and i would like to not have to do so much work hahaha]

[lnt1103]

One idea....you might try gearing your 'cons' directly at your 'pros' if you follow me. Counter your 'for's' with targeted 'against's' that are on the same topic. But that's just a thought, you need to do your paper your way.

Against I would say off hand, kids take extra risks anyway as a function of being a teenager-Driving when they shouldn't, trying substances...this could increase drunk driving in teens.

And don't forget: tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em, then tell 'em, then tell 'em what you told 'em

[sera300]

Originally Posted by llblovesejw

Okay. I'm writing a paper about Underage Drinking with Parental Permission and Supervision.
(Personally, my paper is against, but I want to know both sides.)

What I've got so far:

FOR:
- it may help restrict the alcohol in-take because it means parents are keeping an eye out right...? This allows parent to see, watch, observe, the consumption and to teach respect for alcohol v. going out at 21 and just drinking to the point of having their stomach pumped. Or not realizing they are too intoxicated to really drive.
- even if things do get out of hand, parents know their child is safe because they're with them. (exception: if the parent is also drinking).
Again teaches respect & takes the novelty out of having a drink, they know how to handle alcohol when they consume it. What does one drink feel like v. two. And not to drive or make other choices under the influence.
- teenagers would learn how to handle alcohol better and learn more about consuming alcohol responsibly. That way, their first experience with alcohol isn't at a party when everyone is getting smashed.
Teaching is through trying it as an experience. When one drinks they are not certain of why they feel really good & often believe they are okay they can drive...it's teaching respect for consumption and potential danger.
***Another pro is you can vote/marry/military at the age of 18. You are considered an adult in all aspects. Yet cannot be trusted with alcohol? Hypothetical: What does the bride drink at her wedding to celebrate if 20? Only soda yet can be responsible for bills, taxes, marriage, etc.

AGAINST:
- why would some children be allowed to break the law because their parents said they could? I am not certain that consumption of alcohol in one's home is illegal since it's a cultural issue. If you allow your kids to get smashed at 16 or supply it to some one else's child there are legal issues. Look into it since in cultures, such as the Italians, it's very common to have wine at the table. I have not seen the police peeking in household windows to check.
- addictions usually start at an early age. well, the earlier you start, the more prone you are to develop an addiction.
Addictions to alcohol yes begin early on according to some experts. However, if a parent has seen their child's tendency, they can gauge what the kids are doing.
- during teenage years, the brain is not fully developed. alcohol stunts this development and kills brain cells before they are even done growing.
Alcohol is known to kill brain cells which regrow even in adults. Some studies can back your theory.
***Another against is the reduction of alcohol related auto accidents & deaths with the increase of age to 21. I believe the number is approx. 2,000 annually...look under the US DOJ site for the stat's to cite.
Anymore for or against?
[i would prefer against since that's what my paper's on and i would like to not have to do so much work hahaha]

I believe it should be 18 but tried to give you some of what I have seen with the debates. There is serious consideration to return to the age of 18. Use the MADD site as well for info. with the US Department of Justice! We were allowed to have a drink at home with our parents; therefore, there was no novelty when I turned 16 nor did I over drink at that time or drink or drive. It taught me respect; meanwhile, I went to college and watched a bunch of people suddenly drinking away from home & in the ER! I do not believe the Federal Government has a right to impose such restrictions on a person the age of majority. My personal opinion only & as a NP.

Good luck with your paper!

[sera300]

Compare your thoughts against drinking to these sites:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0701083542.htm

http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov/


These are from the US DOJ files:
http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/files/ric/.../e08042480.pdf

http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/Default.asp?Item=1695

These may help you find additional info. to add to your view point. Remember stick to your argument and back it with facts. Use the pro under age drinking I gave you as a rebuttal to those who are for it and use your info to blow each of them out of the water!

[llblovesejw]

In Ohio, minors are allowed to have alcohol everywhere there parent is with them [and of course consents]. Restaraunts, bars - wherever. My paper is about that law and why I am against it [with logical reasons as to why]. The original law excluded religious and ceremonial reasons I believe? I'm not sure the wording, but it was situations like that. But the law was changed at the beginning of 2007 to include parental permission/supervision.

A few more againsts I have been given:
-Will a server/bartender be responsible if a kid gets drunk with a parent or will the parent be responsible? Because if someone gets drunk at a bar, it is the bartender's fault if there is an accident.
[which then leads to] If it IS the bartender's responsibility, where should the cutoff be?
-Kind of playing off the exception I had earlier, if parents do decide to go drinking, sometimes their child is the designated driver. If the parents allow the kid to drink, who then becomes the DD?
-Kids might think it's ok to do later when they're not with their parents.
-Alcohol kills brain cells whether you are doing it with your parents or not.


STATING THIS NOW:
I am overall Against the law, but not all of the things on the list are my personal opinions. I'm pulling from a WIDE WIDE variety of people.

[goof'schik]

- it may help restrict the alcohol in-take because it means parents are keeping an eye out right...?
- even if things do get out of hand, parents know their child is safe because they're with them. (exception: if the parent is also drinking).
- teenagers would learn how to handle alcohol better and learn more about consuming alcohol responsibly. That way, their first experience with alcohol isn't at a party when everyone is getting smashed.

How would it restict in-take, because mom and dad only bought a six pack? When was the last time you sat around having a beer with mom or dad waching?
How is their child safe? Gets drunk falls down stairs ends up in hospital. Gets drunk thinks they are cool does a belly flop into the pool and sinks.
How do they learn to handle it more responsibly? Mom and dad telling them you can only get blasted at home? Which I know can lead to the camping grounds, the high school parking lot ect.
Above are you For, how far is telling a cop, or a friends mom and dad that well my parents let me drink at home going to get someone.
Plus if you are a parent that does not want your child to drink are you going to allow them to spend time at this friends home?
If the drinking age is 21 then the drinking age is 21. Disrespecting the law is disrespecting the law.
I remember the first day of drivers training. My classroom teacher asked the class "who here has already been behind the wheel"? His response to those of us that raised our hands was "your parents all broke the law by allowing you to".
Alcohol changes a person, and until you are old enough to see that for yourself you are to young to drink. Some people ok at 18, others 21 and yet others NEVER.

There are your againsts.

[llblovesejw]

Gahdammit, chik, I forgot how much I loved you.
haha
thank you so much.

[sera300]

Originally Posted by llblovesejw

In Ohio, minors are allowed to have alcohol everywhere there parent is with them [and of course consents]. Restaraunts, bars - wherever. My paper is about that law and why I am against it [with logical reasons as to why]. The original law excluded religious and ceremonial reasons I believe? I'm not sure the wording, but it was situations like that. But the law was changed at the beginning of 2007 to include parental permission/supervision. I know the Federal law in 50 states is 21. Ohio? I am not certain if they chartered their own.
A few more againsts I have been given:
-Will a server/bartender be responsible if a kid gets drunk with a parent or will the parent be responsible? Because if someone gets drunk at a bar, it is the bartender's fault if there is an accident. Yes, they are even if they have false ID! Who ever has the Home/Bar or supplies the alcohol is the one legally liable.
[which then leads to] If it IS the bartender's responsibility, where should the cutoff be? Yes, the bartenders and owner's and the server are liable.

-Kind of playing off the exception I had earlier, if parents do decide to go drinking, sometimes their child is the designated driver. If the parents allow the kid to drink, who then becomes the DD? If under the age of 18? parents are liable & irresponsible. Negligence.
-Kids might think it's ok to do later when they're not with their parents.
Strict home rules & constant re-inforcement. My parents knew...I was to be truthful. If they thought I lied, I was done...I never did anything such as over drinking until I was of age, never drank & drove, and only had one when out at a party with friends--regardless of how much they drank. Good parenting skills teaches you to respect the clear boundry's.
-Alcohol kills brain cells whether you are doing it with your parents or not. Correct in both children or adults.
STATING THIS NOW:
I am overall Against the law, but not all of the things on the list are my personal opinions. I'm pulling from a WIDE WIDE variety of people.

Against the law to lower the age or against parents allowing it in the home?

[llblovesejw]

The federal law = 21.
State laws, though, each have their own caveats to this.
Several states have the parent exclusion. If you have parental permission and supervision, you can drink.
Sorry, I made that unclear.
And while my previous post was directed towards chik, I want to thank everyone for their help. I greatly appreciate it.

[sera300]

Originally Posted by llblovesejw

The federal law = 21.
State laws, though, each have their own caveats to this.
Several states have the parent exclusion. If you have parental permission and supervision, you can drink.
Sorry, I made that unclear.
And while my previous post was directed towards chik, I want to thank everyone for their help. I greatly appreciate it.

I know on cruise ships if they have parental consent & under the age of 21 they abide by the parental consent. In this instance, the parents assume all responsibility & must sign a release of liability for holding the line legally responsible. Look at the 4 links I gave you those shoudl help as well as GS.

I guess we had no big drinkers in the family so a drink was a drink...one max! I abide by if you can vote/marry/go to war at 18; one has all the responsibility and is an adult by all means. Alcohol should not be exempt. Enforcing laws for those caught of any age should be the focus of the government to stop them.

Good luck!