Essay On Underage Drinking In Schools

As “Party in the USA” played in the background, I remember jumping up and down, with my friends, in the cafeteria of my middle school. I was at my 8th dance, having what my thirteen years old self believed was the best night ever. The night ended quickly when a rumor spread that someone spiked the punch. It turns out the punch had not been spiked but two kids had been drinking that night. At thirteen years old that was my first encounter with underage drinking and it wouldn’t be my last. Teenagers drinking and drug use is not a secret in society, it happens quite often. College is where majority of underage drinking and drug use occurs, but it is rising in popularity with high school students and even middle school students. “By the 8th grade, …show more content…
Right now, schools focus more on punishment and not very much preventive methods. Most schools will expel or suspend students that are found in possession of drugs or alcohol. Schools need to focus more on teaching teens the danger that drinking and drugs has on their physical and emotional health. In most high school health classes the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body are discusses, lasting maybe a week or two. Schools need to start teaching about the dangers earlier, starting in middle school, before drugs become socially popular. This can lead to fewer teens trying drugs. Also, schools need to cover the other effects alcohol and drugs have on them. Teens need to understand that if they try a drug, even one time, it can affect the rest of their life. You don’t have to be an addict for it to affect you. Trying a drug once increases your chances of dropping out of high school, not going to college, getting arrested. While under the influence more teens are likely to participate in sexually activating, resulting in an increase in sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy rates (Adolescents). Depression, thoughts of suicide, and increased stress can occur when drugs are