Appropriate Punishment For 16 Year Old Drinking
It is no secret that alcohol consumption by minors is a serious problem in the United States. Every year, thousands of young people under the age of 21 die from alcohol-related causes. In addition to the tragic loss of life, underage drinking also takes a toll on the economy, costing billions of dollars in medical expenses, lost productivity, and law enforcement costs.
Despite the clear dangers of underage drinking, many 16 year olds continue to engage in this risky behavior. When caught, these minors often face little more than a slap on the wrist. This lenient treatment sends the message that underage drinking is not a serious offense.
It is time for the legal system to send a stronger message to 16 year olds who drink alcohol. Appropriate punishment for underage drinking should be commensurate with the seriousness of the offense. Minors who are caught drinking should be subject to fines, community service, and mandatory alcohol education classes. In cases of repeated offenses, minors should be subject to more serious penalties, such as probation and suspension of driving privileges.
By taking a tougher stance on underage drinking, the legal system can send a clear message that this behavior is not acceptable. This will help to reduce the incidence of underage drinking, and save lives.