| Q1. |
Why are parents allowed to drink alcohol when teenagers are not?
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| A1. |
The purchase and consumption of alcohol while under the age of 18 is illegal under the Young People's Welfare Law of Taiwan. Equally, teenagers are not fully developed adults, and are not equipped as well as adults to deal with alcohol either physically or emotionally, or with the various adult issues around alcohol consumption. |
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| Q2. |
Why can't teenagers drink low alcohol strength beverages,
so long as they don't get drunk? |
| A2. |
The number of units consumed and relative serving-size of drinks certainly contribute to the effect of alcohol on the body. Alcohol may not only affect the metabolism of younger people but also their judgment. Under the influence of alcohol, teenagers have less experience in mature judgement and are not as well equipped to make responsible decisions. Remember, people should not drink before driving, operating mechanical equipment, during pregnancy, while taking medication or working at heights and adults are better equipped to understand the common sense application of these rules. |
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| Q3. |
Won't a teenager feel left out if their friends are drinking at a party? |
| A3. |
The consumption of alcohol is a personal choice. Adults, for example, may choose not to drink for specific reasons and they take responsibility for their decisions. They will have planned how they will get home, depending on their choice, and they are mature enough to know that they do not have to consume alcohol to enjoy the company of their friends. It is not essential to drink alcohol in order to enjoy a party. |
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| Q4. |
But won't the teenager feel foolish if they refuse to drink? |
| A4. |
No one has to drink if they do not want to. The teenager can explain that they would prefer not to have an argument with their parents, or they can say that they prefer to join in an activity where judgment and reaction is required. If the teenager is made to feel uncomfortable they should also be comfortable in the knowledge that it would be a mature decision to ask their parents to collect them from the party. |
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| Q5. |
How should a parent react if a teenager asks for an alcoholic
beverage at home or at a party? |
| A5. |
Parents may take the opportunity to explain that it is illegal to serve alcohol to anyone who is under legal drinking age. This can be viewed as an opportunity to discuss alcohol issues in general and to promote a mature attitude towards drinking choices when the young person does reach legal drinking age. |
