• Our software update is now concluded. You will need to reset your password to log in. In order to do this, you will have to click "Log in" in the top right corner and then "Forgot your password?".
  • Welcome to PokéCommunity! Register now and join one of the best fan communities on the 'net to talk Pokémon and more! We are not affiliated with The Pokémon Company or Nintendo.

Not until you're 18!

  • 12,201
    Posts
    18
    Years

    Age Restrictions



    This was a random subject I thought about talking to Klippy.

    ANYWHO, what is your view on your current country age restrictions?
    Like for drinking alcohol, smoking so on so on.

    In good old England, it is 18 to drink and smoke.
    I think that is a good age, but places that you have to be 21 to drink... WTF?
    I really don't see why that has to be so high.

    In certain societies I can understand, but places like America, I would have thought it would be 18; but that is just me.

    Your views? :D
     

    XxDawnfanxX

    The stubborn Pokemon Trainer
  • 739
    Posts
    15
    Years
    I am with the many voices that if you can register and go off to war at age 18, handle a gun why not be able to drink alcohol? I mean it is at 18 you are suppose to be considered "independent" and you are pretty much on your way to being on your own. The only thing that is fun about drinking under age 21 illegally is that feeling you get doing something you aren't suppose to. I wish I was around England or Canada right now. :P
     

    Pokémon Ranger ✩ Moriarty

    I lit a wee fire...on a boat!
  • 1,189
    Posts
    14
    Years
    I really never cared about age restrictions in anything but films, as cigarettes and alcohol never interested me. I do think it's rather absurd that you can join the Army at 16 and give up your life but can't drink or smoke until 18, though. (Err, that's in England.)
     
    Last edited:
  • 12,201
    Posts
    18
    Years
    The smoking limit was moved to 18 a few weeks before I was 18 in England. Made me laugh, even though I don't smoke.

    Anyway, I agree with Dawn. It is a good point really.
    I guess they see that drinking excessive amounts can ultimately kill you over a period of time. But a gun, can kill you straight away. Clearly needs to be allowed earlier :P
     

    XxDawnfanxX

    The stubborn Pokemon Trainer
  • 739
    Posts
    15
    Years
    I am sure that is what they are afraid of, all these stupid older teenagers taking in way more then they should. Haha. I guess they don't feel that they are "responsible" enough to buy it and legally drink it until age 21? I can see the valid point there, but as someone who does drink on occasion, I wish it was earlier.
     
  • 12,201
    Posts
    18
    Years
    I am sure that is what they are afraid of, all these stupid older teenagers taking in way more then they should. Haha. I guess they don't feel that they are "responsible" enough to buy it and legally drink it until age 21? I can see the valid point there, but as someone who does drink on occasion, I wish it was earlier.

    Well, if the age was moved to 21 one, which it won't, it would destroy so many different events and businesses. For example, University Freshers Week.

    The majority of freshers are around the age of 18 - 20. If that happened, then it would just die ><;

    I, personally, think it is harsh to have it as 21, though. I might not feel that way, if I lived in a society where is was 21. I am just use to it being 18.
     
  • 10,769
    Posts
    14
    Years
    In America the drinking laws might be because it's the kind of place where you have to drive to go anywhere. When you can legally get behind the wheel at 16 the authorities figure 2 years isn't enough time for you to mature enough to handle the further freedoms and responsibilities of alcohol on top of your (relatively) recent driving license. Personally, I don't mind these restrictions. I think they're pretty fair. You might say "Oh, but restricting something only makes you want to do it more" but people who are going to be stupid are going to be stupid no matter what the laws are and don't need encouragement or goading.

    And personally, I don't think everyone is responsible enough to join the military at 18.
     
  • 12,201
    Posts
    18
    Years
    You might say "Oh, but restricting something only makes you want to do it more"

    Lol.
    I worry for the people who have that train of thought when it comes to drinking and driving! XD

    I agree with you on that note, but you would hope that people at the age of 18 would be able to act responsibly.

    All in an ideal world.
     

    Elite Overlord LeSabre™

    On that 'Non stop road'
  • 9,955
    Posts
    16
    Years
    All it does is put more strain on whoever enforces the policy, whether it be the police or university officials. As a former Resident Assistant, I can tell you that kids WILL get hold of alcohol whether they're of age or not. They're clever enough to get it, sneak it into the buildings, but not clever enough to not alert the staff to their drunken behavior.

    It never really mattered to me since I don't smoke or drink. 18, 21... it's not really that big of a difference. Because after five or so beers, age and maturity become a non-issue.
     
  • 12,201
    Posts
    18
    Years
    I can tell you that kids WILL get hold of alcohol whether they're of age or not. They're clever enough to get it, sneak it into the buildings, but not clever enough to not alert the staff to their drunken behavior.

    I agree with that.
    When I was in Secondary School, some idiots had bottles of Vodka.

    I was like "O_o, How did you get that?"

    Though, looking back on them now. They were the ones who were 'cool' but now they work in dead end jobs and have kids ><'
     

    parallelzero

    chelia.blendy
  • 14,631
    Posts
    20
    Years
    Age limits don't really matter in this day and age where underaged people can just ask their parents who will willingly buy it for them. For example, at my high school they had a designated smoking area for the 100 or so underage smokers. Since, well, it's illegal to sell it to underagers. it isn't illegal for them to smoke cigarettes if they received them from other sources, apparently. And as for drinking, the age is 19 to buy it here and I was at parties when I was 15 and my friends all had alcohol. Just as long as they aren't drinking it in public, they can get away with it.

    Though when you think about it, the older ages are probably more beneficial to bars and stuff too, since I'm sure groups of immature 16 or 17 year olds attending bars regularly would be more than a handful.
     
  • 12,201
    Posts
    18
    Years
    And as for drinking, the age is 19 to buy it here and I was at parties when I was 15 and my friends all had alcohol. Just as long as they aren't drinking it in public, they can get away with it.

    That has always made me 'what is the point'. You can drink under-the-age inside your own house/someone else's or a restaurant, but not in the public.

    I suppose it is to defer drunken people from interacting from the public, though, when you are drunk, rules go out the window! XD
     

    Feign

    Clain
  • 4,293
    Posts
    15
    Years
    • Seen Jan 25, 2023
    Well considering that alcohol and smoking contribute to adverse affects... It's a wonder why the age is 18 to begin with... I'm of age, and only tasted drinks (and spat it out in my displeasure) and never bothered to smoke (unless if you count 2nd hand smoking -_-).

    What bothers me most is the age restrictions on movies and games... I know there is the under 25 ask for ID thing, but the whole premise behind it is stupid... What is the ESRB trying to protect us from? Violence in video games? If you parents didn't teach you right from wrong to begin with... then there is already something wrong... Take the kids that have done the school shootings, while there were other factors, some of them did play video games and even watched movies, but one thing they all had in common was busy parents, or at least communication wasn't strong at all...

    While there have been studies that show a contribution between violence and video games, a similar study has also proved sports and violence... So really censorship is just plain stupid...

    *looks at the Rudd government*
     

    Skip Class

    previously zappyspiker, but rainbow keeps trying t
  • 4,717
    Posts
    15
    Years
    It's 18 where I live I think.... but you need proof (ID Card and such) until you are 21
     

    Kazukii

    Banned
  • 3,294
    Posts
    15
    Years
    • Seen Dec 2, 2009
    The limits don't serve much point really, I mean people bypass them anyway. I'm 14 and I've drunk bottles of Apple Vodka before. At party's having said that. They weren't given to us, but we found 'em and the temptation was too high 8D

    Anyway, I won't waffle on; limits don't do much because people will find ways around them to their advantage. Meh, 18 seems a good enough age I reckon.
     
  • 1,806
    Posts
    14
    Years
    • Seen Jan 4, 2013
    You have to be 18 to purchase cigarettes and 21 to purchase alcohol where I live, it doesn't concern me too much because if I really want to I'll get my hands on it regardless of the law.
     
  • 12,201
    Posts
    18
    Years
    it doesn't concern me too much because if I really want to I'll get my hands on it regardless of the law.

    That is the problem in my opinion.
    Not you Noodle, but the ability to get the substance so easily.

    There isn't much that can be done about it, but it makes the laws pointless. It is the same with drugs. It is so easy to get them on a night out.
    I have been offered them so much when I have been out and it is actually shocking.
    ><'
     

    chikorita125

    ^ ment to be Happy Azumarill
  • 341
    Posts
    14
    Years
    The limits don't serve much point really, I mean people bypass them anyway. I'm 14 and I've drunk bottles of Apple Vodka before. At party's having said that. They weren't given to us, but we found 'em and the temptation was too high 8D

    Anyway, I won't waffle on; limits don't do much because people will find ways around them to their advantage. Meh, 18 seems a good enough age I reckon.


    i agree. over here in Australia it's 18, and i'm not complaining, though it took me for ever to get into a club on the first of jan when i just turned 18, but now things couldn't be better.
     

    ruby

    [span="howdy;partner"][/span]
  • 1,390
    Posts
    20
    Years
    • Seen Mar 27, 2024
    In good old England, it is 18 to drink and smoke.
    Drinking I think's fair, but for smoking it's a real pain in the ass.

    There's two places that I know will always serve me, but anywhere else and it's about 50-50 chance.

    You can't tell if a shop's going to serve you even if you've been served there before either, like today in-fact when I got some tobacco from Tesco once and then went back later for some kings only to be turned down. :/
     
    Back
    Top