Unfortunately, while the majority of kids who drink do grow up to become healthy adults, use of alcohol greatly increases the chances that they will be involved in a car crash, homicide or suicide, the leading causes of death for teenagers and young adults. Adults also may be ambivalent about underage drinking because they think kids are drinking to relax or have a good time with their friends. Kids typically begin using alcohol around the age of 13, long before their minds and bodies are mature enough to handle the effects of a powerful drug. Research shows that the earlier kids start drinking the more likely they will be to develop a problem with alcohol or other drugs later in life. Once kids start drinking, their world suddenly becomes a more dangerous place.
Girls are more likely to be forced into unwanted sexual activity, which can result in pregnancy.
Boys get into more fights and commit acts of vandalism that may escalate into more serious crimes. The academic and athletic performances of both sexes can suffer. In short, if we care about the health of our children, we must do everything we can to discourage them from drinking for as long as possible. Adolescent drinking often begins between ages 11 and 13. Considering that alcohol is in many, if not most, U.S. homes, this is not surprising.