Researchers studied four Spanish regions that introduced stricter alcohol laws. The rules included limits on sales to minors, controls on entry to venues, and new rules for advertising. The laws came into force at different times, so the team compared behaviour before and after.
After raising the minimum age from 16 to 18, fewer teenagers reported being drunk and binge drinking fell. Students in those regions scored higher on school tests, about two months of extra learning. Teenagers also used fewer prescribed medicines for anxiety and sleep problems. The study found no clear shifts in time spent studying, sports, socialising, or in substitution to cannabis or cigarettes.
Difficult words
- researcher — a person who studies and checks informationResearchers
- region — a part of a country or arearegions
- minor — a young person under the legal ageminors
- venue — a place where events or services happenvenues
- advertising — public messages that promote products or services
- binge drinking — consuming a lot of alcohol in a short time
- prescribed medicine — a drug a doctor gives with a written orderprescribed medicines
- minimum age — the smallest legal number of years to do something
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think raising the minimum age can reduce teenage drinking? Why?
- How might less binge drinking help students at school?
- Are there alcohol rules in your area? What are they?
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