Lowering the legal drinking age from 21 to 18 In the United States, the legal drinking age, with few exceptions, is 21 years ; this should be changed from 21 to 18 years old. This would help high school and college students, who typically commit the act of underage drinking anyway, avoid long-term legal repercussions. It would also remove the excitement felt by many underage drinkers since for many it would now be legal. This would help reduce temptation and encourage today's young people to drink in a safer and more responsible environment since it would be considered a normal activity and would no longer need to be done in secret. Although this issue may not seem particularly important, it often sparks controversy and debate between proponents on both sides of the issue. Many of those who oppose lowering the legal drinking age to anyone 18 or older often argue that maintaining alcohol consumption restricts irresponsible drinking by young people. However, those who support lowering the drinking age are proposing the exact opposite. This would mean that lowering the drinking age encourages young drinkers to consume alcohol in an open environment where they are not punished and do not need to be pressured into breaking any rules. other laws and even to view certain laws in general with disrespect since they have already broken one. . (Engs) Additionally, as many proponents of lowering the legal drinking age have stated, legal drinking age laws are generally considered ineffective in actually preventing consumption. of alcohol by minors. Alongside the argument that the minimum legal drinking age helps prevent alcohol consumption. alcohol consumption among young people, many who do not support lowering legal consumption...... middle of paper ......t countries around the world, particularly those in Europe, have been largely successful in lowering the drinking age. This only reinforces the idea that lowering the minimum legal drinking age would further contribute to integrating responsible drinking into society among young adults in a more transparent and responsible manner than is currently the case. the case currently in the United States. In conclusion, the minimum legal drinking age in the United States should be lowered to 18 years old. This age has already proven itself globally and could certainly be implemented into American culture. If this argument were raised at a broader level, such as state or, preferably, federal legislation, progress could certainly be made on this issue. Lowering the legal drinking age to 18 could have an overall positive effect on the entire United States..