National Youth Court Center

Underage Drinking

There is plenty of information available about the biological effects of alcohol on the human body. Most teenagers learn about it in health class in school and in other ways. There does not seem to be a lot of information for young people, however, about the legal questions surrounding teens and alcohol, perhaps because the answers vary from state to state. This lesson will attempt to answer some of those questions about teens, alcohol, and the justice system.

This lesson also focuses on the social consequences of underage drinking. This lesson will point you toward studies and statistics that have researched the links between alcohol and such problems as teen pregnancy, rape, and further drug use.

Finally, there are a myriad of programs underway all across the country that are trying to combat the problem of underage drinking. You will be able to see what programs are available in your state, and you will evaluate their effectiveness.

Step I:
What Should Shannon Do?
Step II:
Social Consequences
Step III:
State Laws and Policies