Minimum legal ages

[st_claire]

We were discussing this issue a little bit in the TX thread. I'm curious what people's thoughts on the legal minimum ages are.

What are the minimum ages where you live? If you ruled the world, what would you make the minimum ages?

Here are my answers (I live in Ontario):

Act: Current Law: What I would Pick
Drinking hard liquor: 19: 18
Drinking wine/beer: 19: 16
Driving: 16: 18
Military: 17 with consent, 18 without: 16 with consent, 18 without
Voting: 18: 16
Sex: with someone about your age 12, with anyone 14: 14 in either case
Gambling: 18: lottery 14, casino/track 16

Those are the only ones I can think of. If I missed an act, let me know :)

[Sandra in NC]

I would keep the drinking laws as they are with an age minimum of 21. I would leave our driving age at 16.

I'd like to redefine "adulthood" as 18 or 21 -- whichever age the parent decides. For example, if a child is in college and is not self-supporting, then they should not have rights/responsibilities of an adult. Specifically, they should not be permitted to enter into contracts (e.g. credit cards/student loans/etc.) If a parent is paying for college, healthcare, etc. then the parent should continue to have access to records and medical info.

[Pencil Pusher]

Mainly, I'd consolidate. I can't imagine telling someone that they're old enough to participate in choosing the leader of our country/armed forces/etc but not to drink. I consider the former a much more delicate, far-reaching question. And how about operating the death-machines we call cars? If someone's not old enough to drink responsibly, how can they drive responsibly? I guess in general, I'd move everything back to 21.

Of course, my dc are young, & there are exceptions to everything, but right *now,* that's what I think.

[Valerie in Chicago]

My police officer sister has convinced me that 16 is too young to drive responsibly for most. That should be bumped up.

I'm ok with the drinking age being 21, but with one exception. If an 18-yo can show a current military ID, s/he should be able to buy a beer. S/he's a grown-up, in my book.

[pixelroper]

FYI min drinking age being debated now- fox news story. (http://www.townhall.com/video/FoxNews/2176_080403-220254_040308_fr_2gallagher_F1200)

I was just found this and was considering a thread-- so I'm sticking it here--

[hsmom]

I also agree with the "if you are old enough to fight and die for your country you should be old enough to drink". Also in the same breath you should be able to vote, go into the military, and drink at the same age. They need to change the ages one way or the other. As for driving I think they should be at least 17, with holding a permit for 2 years.
As for the "sex" thing I think they should be at a min. of the age 16, and even then too many older men take advantage of immature/unsuspecting young girls.
As for gambling (it is not allowed in the state of Wyoming), but I think that one should be left up to the parents.

[Claire]

I know that Germany has a higher driving age, and getting a driver's license there is considerably more difficult. In this country, not being able to drive as an older teen would limit many students' ability to work part-time jobs.

[Joanne]

Hm.

I don't think there should be a "legal age" for sexual activity. I think that there should be a culturally encouraged age of 21.

I don't understand why hard liquor and beer/wine are biforcated in the OP's mind or in certain US states. It's all alcohol. I think the age should be 21.

I don't think people should serve in the military until 21, either, so that removes the issue of "if you can serve our country, you should be able to drink".

I don't think many 18 year olds have enough interest, knowledge and care to vote *responsibly*, but I also don't think that number increases substantially with age.

I think driving should be equivalent to the time a child can work for pay legally. 16, minimum.

Gambling: 21

And I believe people should have to re-take written and driving tests at intervals.

[st_claire]

I don't understand why hard liquor and beer/wine are biforcated in the OP's mind or in certain US states. It's all alcohol. I think the age should be 21.


I've heard of it being done in some places in Europe and it seems like a good idea to me. That way people can start drinking with the softer stuff and get used to it before trying the hard stuff. A beer by the pool is a lot different than tequila shots by the pool lol.

[Danestress]

I'm move the driving age to 18.

The drinking age I would leave where it is.

I would not allow anyone to enlist in the military under the age of 18, with or without consent.

[Lorna]

In Denmark you can drink at any age and buy alcohol and cigarettes for yourself at age sixteen (until recently I believe the law was fifteen). An adult can buy alcohol for you before this age.

The age of consent is fifteen.

I must say the teenagers here are generally a very responsible and pleasant bunch, but that may be due to the respect the work place and the government has for family time. Adults adore children in general and fathers are as likely to be seen playing with their children and pushing prams as the women.

The children are children for much longer though, perhaps they are able to mature more naturally. As toddlers and children they are trusted a great deal more. Family, home and play are priorities here. Our street here, for example, is very child-centred. There is a sandpit which cars need to drive around on the actual street. It seemed dangerous to me as a Scot but, as my husband points out, that is purely cultural; people simply are more aware of the children. The children cover the street with chalk drawings and games. The children cycle home, on their own from about the age of nine, for lunch. Everyone respects childhood here.

Looking at the swimsuit thread too made me think. In the changing rooms here everyone walks around without clothes or self-consciousness. It has been wonderful for myself, but especially for my twelve year old daughter. I have seen her become more and more comfortable about herself - exactly at the right time for her. I am a very modest dresser (as are most Danes), but it has been so refreshing to find that all shapes and sizes are acceptable and that they is an atmosphere of respect that is very lacking in more conservative Britain. People never tease, including the teenagers. It is such a different culture.

I am so sad to leave this accepting atmosphere. I just hope my daughter can keep with her that comfort with her own self. I have seen too many close friends and relatives fall pray to eating disorders in the UK.

Sorry, what was the questions again...:tongue_smilie:

[pixelroper]

During my college years, under age drinking was in general, ridiculous. I really think that labeling people under 21 as unable to handle it therefore illegal, promotes even more immature attitudes and behavior. In fact I'd also say in general, any of this labeling stalls maturity. Most people strive to live up to expectations, if there aren't any- then what? I realize it is illegal- IME that hasn't stopped anyone from doing it along with other "illegal activity." Drugs and alcohol are very available to any who seek, regardless of their age.

For the driving, I think it is important to be able to gain experience while young, better time to train reflexes and get good driving habits established w/supervision.

Age of consent, still pondering stance there.

[mcconnellboys]

What I would Pick
Drinking hard liquor: 21
Drinking wine/beer: 21
Driving: 21
Military: 21
Voting: 21
Sex: 21
Gambling: 21

Hmmmmm, at least I'm consistent, LOL.....

[Old Dominion Heather]

Act: Current Law: What I would Pick
Drinking hard liquor: 21: 18
Drinking wine/beer: 21: 18
Driving: 16.8: 16
Military: 17 with consent, 18 without: 18,18
Voting: 18: 21
Sex: with someone about your age 14, with anyone 16?: 16, 18
Gambling: 18: 21
Smoking: 18, 16

[angela in ohio]

I think they should all be 18. I also think anyone under 18 should not be taxed on their income or allowed to make medical decisions on their own.

[PiCO]

Act: Current Law: What I would Pick
Drinking hard liquor: 21: 21
Drinking wine/beer: 21: 17
Driving: 16: 16- restricted license, 18 full
Military: 18: 18
Voting: 18: 18 and a net tax payer
Sex: I don't know what it is here: 18
Gambling: 18: 18

[Jenny in Atl]

In Denmark you can drink at any age and buy alcohol and cigarettes for yourself at age sixteen (until recently I believe the law was fifteen). An adult can buy alcohol for you before this age.

The age of consent is fifteen.

I must say the teenagers here are generally a very responsible and pleasant bunch, but that may be due to the respect the work place and the government has for family time. Adults adore children in general and fathers are as likely to be seen playing with their children and pushing prams as the women.

The children are children for much longer though, perhaps they are able to mature more naturally. As toddlers and children they are trusted a great deal more. Family, home and play are priorities here. Our street here, for example, is very child-centred. There is a sandpit which cars need to drive around on the actual street. It seemed dangerous to me as a Scot but, as my husband points out, that is purely cultural; people simply are more aware of the children. The children cover the street with chalk drawings and games. The children cycle home, on their own from about the age of nine, for lunch. Everyone respects childhood here.

Looking at the swimsuit thread too made me think. In the changing rooms here everyone walks around without clothes or self-consciousness. It has been wonderful for myself, but especially for my twelve year old daughter. I have seen her become more and more comfortable about herself - exactly at the right time for her. I am a very modest dresser (as are most Danes), but it has been so refreshing to find that all shapes and sizes are acceptable and that they is an atmosphere of respect that is very lacking in more conservative Britain. People never tease, including the teenagers. It is such a different culture.

I am so sad to leave this accepting atmosphere. I just hope my daughter can keep with her that comfort with her own self. I have seen too many close friends and relatives fall pray to eating disorders in the UK.

Sorry, what was the questions again...:tongue_smilie:

Well said...

[beansprouts]

rethinking my answer... stay tuned :D