Youth Alcohol Consumption: Calls to End "Supervised Drinking" for Ages 14 and Below in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
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Let's talk about the latest buzz in Germany, where Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is pushing for a total ban on so-called "supervised drinking" for youth under the age of 14. Currently, minors can consume beer, wine, and sparkling wine in public with grown-ups like parents, but this might soon change.
Stefanie Drese, the health minister of Schwerin (SPD), is leading this charge, presenting a proposal at the health ministers' conference in Weimar, hoping to garner support from her counterparts in other federal states. The Ministry of Health in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern expects widespread backing for this initiative.
Alarming Statistics on Underage Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption among the youth is a worrying trend. According to recent statistics, 6.9% of girls and 12.4% of boys aged 12 to 17 in Germany consume alcohol at least once a week. In 2022, approximately 11,500 children and young people were hospitalized due to excessive alcohol consumption. The problem is particularly severe in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where the risk of hospitalization due to alcohol is twice as high as the national average.
"It's crucial to raise awareness in our society and initiate a dialogue about how we deal with alcohol, given the concerning figures," says Drese. "We must convey the severe health consequences of early alcohol consumption more forcefully than before and intensify preventative measures to reduce alcohol consumption among youth." The ultimate aim is to delay or prevent the initiation of alcohol consumption altogether. "Abolishing the so-called supervised drinking would be a vital step towards more responsible alcohol management."
Current Laws and Proposed Changes
In Germany, the law strictly regulates the consumption of alcohol by minors. Minors under 14 are generally prohibited from consuming alcohol in public settings. No explicit legal provision allows for "supervised drinking," even in private or family settings. The law, enforced by the Youth Protection Act, bans alcohol advertising in cinemas before 6 p.m. and prohibits the purchase of alcohol by minors.
At present, no major legislative changes have been proposed for supervised drinking for children under 14. The law remains unwavering in its stance against any form of alcohol consumption by this group, reflecting a strong consensus on safeguarding young children from the risks associated with alcohol.
Rationale Behind the Regulations and Comparison to Other Countries
- Public Health and Safety: The primary rationale is the protection of children from the physical and psychological harms associated with early alcohol consumption, such as health risks, developmental problems, and increased risk of addiction.
- Social Responsibility: German society prioritizes preventing the normalization of alcohol use among children, recognizing that early exposure can lead to problematic drinking patterns later in life.
- Legal Consistency: The regulations align with broader European and national food and alcohol legislation, which prioritizes the welfare of minors and restricts their access to potentially harmful substances.
Comparatively, while Italy’s legal drinking age is 18, minors can drink alcohol in the presence of a parent or guardian in private family settings. In contrast, most US states have a legal drinking age of 21, with no provisions for supervised drinking by minors.
In summary, German law maintains a strict stance against alcohol consumption by children under 14, with no allowances for supervised drinking, reflecting a strong public health and child protection rationale. No significant changes are currently proposed for this age group.
The Commission, in view of the concern over youth alcohol consumption, may consider proposed directives on the protection of the environment and health-and-wellness, emphasizing the importance of mental health in this context. For instance, studies suggest a link between substance abuse and mental health issues, raising the need to address both aspects holistically.
As Stefanie Drese, the health minister of Schwerin, continues her campaign against underage drinking, she could advocate for further action beyond alcohol, such as implementing measures that promote science-based knowledge on health and mental health, thereby fostering a healthier lifestyle among the youth.
