When did 16 become the new 18?

When did 16 become the new 18?

I have certainly noticed this recently as I have a son who turned 16 in April. A trend seems to have appeared where the parents throw their little 16yr old cherubs a party at home, complete with alcohol. So when did 16 become the new 18?

First of all I didn’t do this and my son was very happy to get a load of his mates together for a boys day out paint balling. However, he has recently been to one or two of these parties although one was for a 17yr old. Second of all I don’t really think it’s appropriate to be encouraging your 16 or 17yr old son or daughter to drink excessively in your house. You may be able to trust your own child but really is it a good idea to let all their mates loose in your house with alcohol at the ready.

This has made me think back to when I was 16, which is many, many moons ago now. I remember going out with my friends acquiring a bottle of cider that we would all share and then make my way home. I would scuttle up to my room before I had to face my parents hoping they didn’t realise I had been drinking. We used to sneak a drink is what I’m getting at. I was never allowed to have a drink at that age at home regardless until I was actually 18. I was certainly never brave enough to ever get blatantly drunk at that age either. When you turned 18 that was when you would maybe have had a party and obviously the big thing was that you could actually go up to the bar and order your own drink!

Read more