Today, one of the biggest issues that teens and young adults face is the peer pressure to partake in underage drinking. Underage drinking is one of the most pressing issues facing today’s youth, with over 5.6 million children between the ages of 12 and 20 having consumed alcohol in the past month alone.

The consequences of drinking under the legal age of 21 can be devastating, not only impacting the person drinking but also for other people in their lives. It is critical that we understand the dangers of early alcohol use and take steps to prevent it.

The teenage brain is still developing well into a person’s twenties, and drinking alcohol disrupts critical areas involved in memory, learning, and decision-making—skills that are essential for an individual’s well-being. While drinking may seem fun, the short- and long-term health impacts are far from worth it. Even small amounts of alcohol can have lasting effects on a young person’s mental and physical health.

Underage drinking can lead to poor decision-making, which often appears in dangerous decisions like drunk driving, fighting, or unsafe sexual activity. It can also increase mental health disorders like depression, and impact your ability to do well in school.

As well, underage drinking can put youth at the risk of addiction, with teens who drink before the age of 15 being four times more likely to develop an alcohol use disorder later in life.

Overall, parents, schools, and communities must work together to educate youth about the risks of drinking and to create environments where healthy choices are not shamed. By raising awareness and offering support, we can help young people make better decisions and help their futures.