Teenage Drinking Inquiry

Claim: A parent who drinks with or allows his/her teen to drink can increase the chances of the child becoming an alcoholic, thus contributing to a lifetime of misery, loss and even death.

1) Parents examples make a significant influence on their children/teens choices.

2) Educating a child about the risks and consequences of drinking and using drugs teaches them that they are not all fun. Drinking with them, on the other hand, supports it, making it okay.

3) Alcohol use can also lead to drug use.

4) Overdosing from drugs and alcohol kills thousands of teens and young adults every year.

5) Allowing children to drink sends the message that they are allowed to break the law.

6) If parents don’t take their child’s life serious, why should they?

7) Regardless of how afraid or codependent a parent is for their teen, the only way they can truly help them is to hold firm boundaries and refuse to allow them to do something that is destructive.

8) Most teenagers who party, party often, and do not want parent supervision. Therefore, it is illogical to think that a parent holding parties will eliminate the risk of their teen drinking and driving, using drugs or overdosing if they use.

9) Only for so long will a parent be able to provide “safe” places for their teen to drink. Once they move out, who will keep them from drinking and driving, using drugs and overdosing then?

10) Holding parties does not prevent drug use. Drugs are easily hidden and dispersed.

Counterclaim: A parent who drinks with their child or allows it is protecting them from the hazards of drinking and driving and can save their child’s life by doing so.

1)     Thousands of teens die every year in drinking and driving accidents.

2)     Providing a safe place for teens to drink can prevent drinking and driving, drug use and overdose.

3)     It is worth going to jail to save a child’s life.

4)     It is inevitable that most teenagers will drink, regardless of what they’ve heard about the risks. Therefore, providing a safe environment is crucial.

5)     Many parents have lost a son or daughter who may have been able to save their life had they allowed them to drink at home instead of go out to a party.

6)     Allowing a teen to drink instead of being rigid may limit the teen’s rebellion and prevent them from hiding the amount they use and therefore a problem can be detected early.