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Did the 18 Drinking Age Promote High School Dropout? Implications for Current Policy
Andrew D Plunk1, Arpana Agrawal2, William F Tate3
1Department of Pediatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia.
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
|September 25, 2015
Summary
A minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) of 18 significantly increased high school dropout rates, particularly for women and minority groups. This suggests policy changes can influence adolescent behavior and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Criminology
Background:
- Debate exists on the impact of minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) laws on underage adolescents.
- Previous research has not definitively linked MLDA policies to high school dropout rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) laws on high school dropout rates among adolescents.
- To utilize changes in MLDA laws during the 1970s and 1980s as a natural experiment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two large datasets: 1990/2000 US Census microdata and a combined NLAES/NESARC survey.
- Logistic regression modeling to assess the relationship between MLDA exposure and high school dropout.
- Inclusion of demographic variables and familial alcohol problem risk in the models.
Main Results:
- A minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) of 18 was significantly associated with increased high school dropout rates.
- Higher odds of dropout were observed for women, Black, and Hispanic students.
- Parental alcohol problems amplified the risk of high school dropout.
Conclusions:
- The MLDA of 18 appears to have a substantial impact on high school dropout rates.
- Legal-aged peers in high schools may increase alcohol access for younger students.
- Policy interventions can mitigate risky drinking behaviors, even in high-risk families.
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