Millions of underage children are using alcoholic beverages, according to United States Surgeon General Kenneth Moitsugu. Nearly 7.2 million children are considered binge drinkers, meaning they drink more than five drinks in one sitting.

In a press release dated March 6, 2007, Moitsugu calls for "a change in the culture and attitudes toward drinking in America. We can no longer ignore what alcohol is doing to our children." While there has been a drop in the use of illegal drugs and tobacco among America's youth, underage drinking is still a problem, partly because adults tolerate it.

Moitsugu said that new research shows that alcohol is harmful to adolescent brain development. In addition, those who start drinking before age 15 years are five times more likely to have alcohol-related problems as adults.

Labels: alcohol, binge drinking, underage drinking