Kierra Box, 15, London
Kids should be allowed to drink when they start to go out with their friends - in moderation - at whatever age they want to. In America under-21s are not allowed alcohol but that does not stop them having a large percentage of adult drunks. If you cannot drink with your parents' knowledge, safely and in moderation, you end up as many of my friends do - binge-drinking as much as you can when you can, then falling down and throwing up on the high street.
| I was allowed to drink champagne at Christmas, but it would not bother me if I didn’t drink again before I was 17 or 18 years old. |
Jodie Duke, 9, Plymouth
Children should be allowed to drink when they are about 16, but not in a pub because it costs too much. They should drink only Hooch at home. It is for younger people because it is not so strong as all the others. I think mums should buy Hooch for them.
Paras Patel, 12, Birmingham
Parents should let their children drink alcohol only at 18. This is because alcohol is bad for your health and it does not give your family a good reputation. I was allowed to drink champagne at Christmas 2000, but it would not bother me if I didn't drink again before I was 17 or 18 years old.
Maija Marsh, 11, London
Children should be brought up drinking occasionally, in small quantities, with meals at home. Parents have to set a good example. If kids see them going to the pub every night and coming home late all the time it will probably end up with generation after generation becoming alcoholics.
Thomas Kielty, 15, Belfast
I first started to drink at family parties but I don't get drunk - I stick to the amount of alcohol I am allowed at the time. I think parents should give their children a bit of freedom at family dos, but only to the limit a parent feels OK with. It is all a case of trust. It should not be up to the Government to decide when you start - your parents have a bigger say in your life.
Lee Moran, 14, Birmingham
I do not think parents should let their children drink alcohol because it can rot the liver and other important organs. Also, the children could grow up with alcohol problems. My Mum does let me drink, but I don't in case I turn into an alcoholic. I have seen it happen.
About answer back
answer back is a weekly column by Children's Express members, published in the Parents pages of The Times.
