Why are young people advised not to drink?
Young people are less well equipped than adults either physically or emotionally to cope with the effects of alcohol. The same amount of alcohol will have a much greater effect on the body of a child or young person than on an adult, because their bodies are not only small but also immature, and their development could be affected. Also, a young person doesn't have the experience needed to deal with the effects of alcohol on judgement and perception.
Drinking and getting drunk greatly increases the risk of accident or injury for inexperienced (young) drinkers. They may do or say something they regret later, and they're much more likely to have an accident from heightened clumsiness or get into trouble. Drinking a lot in one session - or 'binge drinking' - can be harmful because the human body can't process a lot of alcohol at once. This is especially true for under age drinkers because they can't cope with alcohol as well as adults.
Drinking can also have a negative effect on a young person's school work, social life and friendships, as well as their general health. They'll also be in trouble if they break the laws about buying and drinking alcohol and they can get those who sell or supply them with alcohol in trouble too.
Remember that there are NO safe limits for alcohol consumption for the under age.
