Is it suitable for a 16-year-old to drink beer?

Nov 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, 16-year-olds should not drink beer. It is important to note that individuals aged 16 should avoid all alcoholic beverages. Parents and schools should provide stronger guidance to help them develop healthy eating habits. Additionally, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, engaging in regular physical exercise, and consuming a balanced diet are essential to support normal physical development.

Generally speaking, 16-year-olds are not suitable for drinking beer. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Beer contains alcohol, which can irritate the digestive system, damage gastrointestinal mucosa, cause discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, and affect normal nutrient absorption. Alcohol also affects the nervous system, interfering with brain development and potentially leading to decreased memory, difficulty concentrating, and impaired learning and cognitive abilities. The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol; in 16-year-olds, liver function is not yet fully developed, so alcohol places extra strain on the liver, and long-term consumption may impair liver function. Additionally, the calories in beer are easily converted into fat, increasing the risk of obesity, and may also negatively affect bone growth and development, causing various harms to overall health.

In daily life, it's important for 16-year-olds to avoid all alcoholic beverages. Parents and schools should provide proper guidance to help establish healthy eating habits. At the same time, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, engaging in regular physical exercise, and consuming a balanced diet are essential to support normal physical development.