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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

How much alcohol for a 15 year old?

569 replies

Dramatic · 31/07/2025 20:29

If your 15 year old was going to a party (supervised by parents at the house) how much alcohol would you allow them to take with them?

OP posts:
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6
Mumtobabyhavoc · 03/08/2025 21:49

Those arguing to introduce and allow alcohol consumption to children and adolescents should really educate themselves and possibly look at their own relationships to alcohol. It seems to be such a touchy subject for a lot of people here!
I'm not a prude at all, but I'll be damned if I am going to facilitate and/or condone underage drinking. Kids need all the help and support they can get to keep their bodies healthy and free from things like alcohol for as long as possible.
My attitude about it is that it is for adults and that it is very unhealthy for growing brains and bodies and avoid as long as you can.
I'm not taking the, No bloody way, not under my roof, approach as we all know that doesn't work.
Education is best, I think.
However, the word moderation is stupid because that is too subjective.

dca860 · 03/08/2025 21:52

BlueMum16 · 03/08/2025 20:53

It absolutely is illegal to buy a child alcohol.

https://www.gov.uk/alcohol-young-people-law

Edited

It is if you're buying it to hand to them, but it is not illegal to allow them to have some of yours at your home.

dca860 · 03/08/2025 21:54

verycloakanddaggers · 03/08/2025 21:14

Comparing alcohol, which is a drug, to butter is what is ridiculous.

15 is three years earlier than 18 - a big difference in terms of brain development. But yes, obviously better not to drink as an adult either.

Paracetamol is a drug too.
The comparison to butter was in a different conversation context, off what's bad for you, so let's not play silly challenge games

dca860 · 03/08/2025 21:56

verycloakanddaggers · 03/08/2025 21:14

Comparing alcohol, which is a drug, to butter is what is ridiculous.

15 is three years earlier than 18 - a big difference in terms of brain development. But yes, obviously better not to drink as an adult either.

Paracetamol is a drug too.
The comparison to butter was in a different conversation context, relating to what's bad for you, so let's not play silly twisty challenge games

Jhigs · 03/08/2025 22:08

dca860 · 03/08/2025 21:54

Paracetamol is a drug too.
The comparison to butter was in a different conversation context, off what's bad for you, so let's not play silly challenge games

Paracetamol causes pain reduction. Alcohol is a poison.

verycloakanddaggers · 03/08/2025 22:10

dca860 · 03/08/2025 21:49

I'm done playing ping ping with your stubborn "Mr Perfect" simplistic approach to life. I'm also bored of picking at words instead of the context.

If you're bored, then find something else to do.

You're now resorting to personal remarks, which is not necessary.

dca860 · 03/08/2025 22:25

Jhigs · 03/08/2025 22:08

Paracetamol causes pain reduction. Alcohol is a poison.

Just a poison with different effects and causes cumulative liver damage. That's OK, because it receives pain, right? And alcohol has many positive effects too.
Many things when abused cause a big problem!

BlueMum16 · 03/08/2025 22:25

dca860 · 03/08/2025 21:52

It is if you're buying it to hand to them, but it is not illegal to allow them to have some of yours at your home.

Which is what I said.

I would not be purchasing them some to take to someone else's home and be someone else's responsibility.

I would allow them to try some of mine under my supervision, but realistically probably not at 15.

dca860 · 03/08/2025 22:27

verycloakanddaggers · 03/08/2025 22:10

If you're bored, then find something else to do.

You're now resorting to personal remarks, which is not necessary.

Endless stubborn nonsense from you has become boring. If you don't like the tooth, so trying to get the last word in

dca860 · 03/08/2025 22:28

Endless stubborn nonsense from you has become boring. If you don't like the tooth, so trying to get the last word in

dca860 · 03/08/2025 22:31

BlueMum16 · 03/08/2025 22:25

Which is what I said.

I would not be purchasing them some to take to someone else's home and be someone else's responsibility.

I would allow them to try some of mine under my supervision, but realistically probably not at 15.

It isn't what you said, read it again.

And what your do with your kiddie is up to you. I stand by my own comments

jamimmi · 03/08/2025 23:00

While.not.getting involved in the most.recent part of this discussion. I'd allow a.couple.of cans of pre mix daquairi or aldi bottles or beer. Both contain low levels of alchohol.and this seems to have worked ok with my 18 and 22 year old who both have a sensible attitude to alcohol, unlike my ds best friend. Alcohol not till.he was 18 and now frequently gets very drunk at.22. We employed the all things in moderation from about 15.and alcohol was.often given at home so glass wine with meal etc. No strong spirits till 1i and heading to uni.

dca860 · 04/08/2025 08:02

jamimmi · 03/08/2025 23:00

While.not.getting involved in the most.recent part of this discussion. I'd allow a.couple.of cans of pre mix daquairi or aldi bottles or beer. Both contain low levels of alchohol.and this seems to have worked ok with my 18 and 22 year old who both have a sensible attitude to alcohol, unlike my ds best friend. Alcohol not till.he was 18 and now frequently gets very drunk at.22. We employed the all things in moderation from about 15.and alcohol was.often given at home so glass wine with meal etc. No strong spirits till 1i and heading to uni.

Absolutely 'spot on' approach in my view. 👍

LHP118 · 04/08/2025 11:39

None.

dca860 · 04/08/2025 18:12

Simbadaninja27 · 02/08/2025 19:22

Absolutely none

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Princessconsuelabananahammock9 · 04/08/2025 20:14

Those who allow this, if you lived somewhere where cannabis was legal would you buy them weed in order to introduce it to them yourself?

I use marijuana and it’s legal here. I would never buy some for my kid in order to teach him moderation.

Drivingthevengabus · 04/08/2025 20:50

Princessconsuelabananahammock9 · 04/08/2025 20:14

Those who allow this, if you lived somewhere where cannabis was legal would you buy them weed in order to introduce it to them yourself?

I use marijuana and it’s legal here. I would never buy some for my kid in order to teach him moderation.

How old is your kid now?

What is the legal drinking age where you are?

Would you let them try alcohol before that age?

dca860 · 04/08/2025 23:35

Princessconsuelabananahammock9 · 04/08/2025 20:14

Those who allow this, if you lived somewhere where cannabis was legal would you buy them weed in order to introduce it to them yourself?

I use marijuana and it’s legal here. I would never buy some for my kid in order to teach him moderation.

It depends on the child's character and outlook. Rather than leave them to try something with friends, I'd rather be involved if it is going to happen anyway. Just about every kid tries it at college, so how does one approach these things?
Depends on the kid and on the parent.

ClareBlue · 05/08/2025 00:13

There is always confusion about the legal position with alcohol in the home and children. It is illegal to buy alcohol for anyone under 18 years old, including your own children. It is not illegal to let your children drink alcohol you have bought for yourself in your home. If you buy alcohol and give it to your children to take to a sleepover or party you are committing an offence.

CGaus · 05/08/2025 03:22

Absolutely none. I’d never allow my 15 year old to drink, and I would be appalled if other parents did.

dca860 · 05/08/2025 06:22

CGaus · 05/08/2025 03:22

Absolutely none. I’d never allow my 15 year old to drink, and I would be appalled if other parents did.

Appalled you must be then!

Princessconsuelabananahammock9 · 05/08/2025 07:10

Drivingthevengabus · 04/08/2025 20:50

How old is your kid now?

What is the legal drinking age where you are?

Would you let them try alcohol before that age?

Almost 15. Legal drinking age is 19.
Let them? No.
Not naive enough to think they never will though. Still doesn’t mean I’m buying them alcohol! Wouldn’t buy them a joint either.

Jhigs · 05/08/2025 07:21

Princessconsuelabananahammock9 · 05/08/2025 07:10

Almost 15. Legal drinking age is 19.
Let them? No.
Not naive enough to think they never will though. Still doesn’t mean I’m buying them alcohol! Wouldn’t buy them a joint either.

Canada?

Princessconsuelabananahammock9 · 05/08/2025 07:26

Jhigs · 05/08/2025 07:21

Canada?

Yep!🇨🇦

LarkspurLane · 05/08/2025 10:08

Princessconsuelabananahammock9 · 04/08/2025 20:14

Those who allow this, if you lived somewhere where cannabis was legal would you buy them weed in order to introduce it to them yourself?

I use marijuana and it’s legal here. I would never buy some for my kid in order to teach him moderation.

I know a couple of people who allowed their kids (15/16) to smoke cannabis at home because it was preferable to them being out and about with it (as it is illegal in England). I don't think they would have sent them to a party with a couple of joints though.
One set of these parents were cannabis smokers, the other set were fairly horrified but felt it was the best way through. Now at 19, both of these young men are doing very well and seem to be managing their intake.

I hate the smell of it so it would be a no from me at any age.