What are the effects of alcohol on minors ages 10-19?

Answer 1

There appears to be absolutely no evidence whatsoever that the light or moderate consumption of alcohol by persons under the age of 21 causes any brain impairment or harm. Of course, that doesn't justify breaking any laws.

The evidence about teen drinking and potential brain damage comes from two sources. The first is from lab rats that are typically given very large doses of alcohol. The second is from studies of humans who are virtually always alcohol and/or drug dependent individuals. It's not surprising that large enough quantities of alcohol can impair brain development in rats and humans.

These studies never deal with light or moderate alcohol consumption among young humans. However, "natural experiments" on drinking among young people have been going on for thousands of years around the world.

In many societies most people drink and they begin doing so in the home from a very early age. Examples familiar to most people include Italians, Jews, Greeks, Portuguese, French, Germans and Spaniards. There is neither evidence or any reason to even suspect that members of these groups are brain impaired compared to those societies that do not permit young people to consume alcohol.

An alternative view: The brain contains nerve connections called white matter, that is still forming in the brains of children and young people up to about the age of 22. Alcohol interferes with the formation of the connections, and prevents the brain from developing normally. Exposing the brain to alcohol during these formative years also greatly increases the likelihood that the individual will develop addictions, especially Alcoholism.

Yet another view: Alcohol usage by minors is illegal in the US and in many countries. The most problematic affect is getting arrested.