Lowering the Legal Drinking AgeAlmost everyone agrees that alcohol should not be given or allowed to children under a certain age. Alcohol is a very dangerous substance and if used incorrectly or immaturely the consequences can be a great danger to the user or those around them. Recent discussions about drinking concern whether the legal drinking age should be lowered from twenty-one to eighteen. This controversial issue has been especially relevant to college students because drinking has become a major part of college life and can be found on all college campuses. Supporters of lowering the legal drinking age from 21 argue that this has not stopped teenage drinking, but has instead encouraged illegal underage drinking. On the other hand, however, opponents of lowering the legal drinking age argue that teenagers have not yet reached an age where they can handle alcohol responsibly. The legal drinking age should remain at twenty-one because people tend to be more mature and responsible at 21 than at 18. Eighteen-year-olds are generally entering a new phase of independence from their parents through college or the world of work, and are more susceptible to excessive alcohol consumption, risky sexual activity and other irresponsible behaviors due to a lack of maturity. Even though there are only a couple of years between these two ages, I feel like a lot of growth and maturation happens in those years. The right to drink should be recognized at a higher age due to the dangers of drinking. There are many risks associated with the misuse of alcohol and we need to ensure that people are mature and responsible enough to realize the major effects it can have on a person's life. Alcohol can negatively affect us in many ways, including our social... .. middle of paper...” effect which will result in illegal alcohol consumption; give high school students and even middle school students easier access to alcohol. In conclusion, I believe that the legal drinking age should not be lowered because drinking can be dangerous to anyone's health and well-being. As the eminent philosopher Whiting states, “alcohol is the oldest and most widely used drug in the world” (Whiting). Alcohol consumption should be limited due to the responsibility required when consuming alcohol. Yes, teenagers do not fully understand the serious effects of drinking at an early age. It can lead to many long-term problems such as alcohol abuse, addictions, car accidents, brain injuries and even death. I think that by dropping the legal drinking age to 2, it gives young adults more time to mature and realize the long-term problems that can occur when alcohol is used irresponsibly.