For the past three decades, the age of purchasing of alcohol has been 21-years-old, older than driver license acquisition (16) and status of adult- hood (18). Adulthood is an interesting time, as people can legally purchase a lot of things they could not previously. From cigarettes to Juuls and independent apartments, adulthood has a lot of privileges to it. Eighteen years is the perfect amount of time to purchase and indulge in certain activities.

Some may argue that if someone is old enough to serve the country, they should be able to buy alcohol. This is not quite the correct frame of mind. At 18, yes, one can decide to serve the country, attend college or even move out. That does not mean 18-year-olds are mentally stable enough for alcohol purchase. Alcohol is a drug that affects the mind immensely. Alcohol alters not only how one thinks at the moment but their mindset overall. Alcohol is dangerous in a 50-year-old’s life, let alone a teenager’s life. The age of 21 as the legal age of alcohol purchase is reasonable and acceptable. If we low- er the age of alcohol purchase, even younger kids will be able to access it. That is not the point of the argument, but it is at the same time. No one can argue that alcohol is not a high school presence, but how would it affect middle school? If 16-year-olds getting access to alcohol from their 18-year- old friends or boyfriends is dangerous, 12-14-year-olds is even worse and more dangerous.

Age of purchase for cigarettes is 18 years old. No one should argue the age for this purchase let alone the purchase itself. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarettes are responsible for one fourth of deaths annually, at 480,000 deaths. Cigarettes are only a stress-reducing and addictive sub- stance. Cigarettes purchasable at 18 years old is acceptable, as long as cigarettes are acceptable.

Seventeen and 18 are when you are able to move out of your parents’ house, as well. Some may argue children should be able to move out ear- lier than 18. In negative situations at home, this argument is valid. If a child does not feel loved, OK or safe in the home they are in, leaving by 16 should be acceptable. Paperwork should be involved, of course, regard- ing the situation. Some children at- tempt leaving just because they want to be free and without parental rule,

which is why 18 is a justified age. Freedom requires an insurmountable amount of responsibility and aware- ness. Children at 16 years old do not obtain that responsibility nor aware- ness, no matter what they believe. Children in certain circumstances can, as some learn much too early. These are the children who should be granted the ability to leave at 16.

Having an age restriction on certain legally problematic issues is a smart idea. Not everyone should be able to move out when they feel like it. No one should be able to smoke cigarettes at an early age. No one should be able to buy drinks before their 20s. The age of mental stability is different for all but around the same for most. Obtaining all specialties at that time is dangerous. Obtaining any beforehand is even more dangerous.