I don’t see underage drinking as a problem - I see it as an opportunity to educate.
This coming from a 18 year old kid with a corona in his hand and a mini fridge full... anyway, I think it would be much healthier if kids were taught the dangers of drinking* (Not the propaganda) and were allowed to experience what it was like so they could establish their limits early. Give them an opportunity to do it in a safer environment WITH PARENTAL GUIDANCE so they don’t go crazy when they go to college. This may just me being idealistic, but Jesus Christ, kids want to rebel - they want to do things that are "wrong", maybe because they think they're missing out or want to grow up faster, maybe because they just want to go against the system. I know that’s the one I went with, anything I could do to throw the system on its knees I’ve tried to do.
That having been said, everything I did - whether it was drugs or getting a tattoo.. Hell, even drinking, I researched and checked the risks. I provided myself an education so when I did do something I knew what I was getting into. If parents could do the same thing for their kids I don’t think there would be as many cases as drunk driving, binge drinking, etc. I don’t see how age can define maturity - I do, however, see how being educated on a topic could. Educate, don’t deny. That’s my 2 cents.