Two researchers analysed changes in alcohol laws across four Spanish regions over twenty years. The policy packages typically restricted alcohol sales to minors, limited venue access and regulated advertising. Because each region adopted changes at different times, the team compared behaviour before and after each reform.
The analysis used large datasets: surveys on drinking habits, PISA exam scores and census records. After raising the minimum legal drinking age from 16 to 18, reported drunkenness among 14–17 year olds fell substantially and binge drinking declined. Students in higher-age regions scored about 4% higher on PISA tests, roughly equivalent to two months of additional schooling.
Mental health indicators also improved: teenagers were less likely to use prescribed medications for anxiety and insomnia. The study found no measurable changes in time spent studying, socialising, internet use, sports participation, or in substitution to cannabis or cigarettes. The researchers link the education gains to alcohol’s effects on adolescent brain development.
Difficult words
- policy — plan or set of rules by authorities
- restrict — to limit what is allowed or availablerestricted
- venue — place where an event or service happens
- advertising — public messages that promote products or services
- reform — a change made to improve laws or systems
- dataset — a collection of related information or datadatasets
- drunkenness — state of being drunk after drinking alcohol
- adolescent — a person in the teenage years, not yet adult
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 legal drinking age would change behaviour in your area? Why or why not?
- How might better mental health help students do better at school?
- What other policies could governments try to reduce teenage drinking?
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