Research shows teens mature slowl

Two articles about the teenage brain (Daily Herald, Dec. 3) present evidence about how many years it takes for the judgment centers in the teenage brain to mature.

This new evidence has implications for public policy. It provides additional justification to keep the handgun purchase age and the drinking age at 21 instead of 18.

The research reveals teens are more likely to take risks and more vulnerable to peer pressure and to drug addiction than people in their 20s.

The evidence refutes the facile argument that "if you're old enough to vote and to serve in the armed forces, then you're old enough to drink and to buy a handgun without parental consent."

One expert states that different mental capabilities mature at different rates. Consequently, there is no one age at which teenagers become ready for all adult responsibilities.

One more reason to keep the drinking age at 21 is this: It is well established that an age-21 drinking law reduces teenage traffic deaths.

State Rep. Paul Froehlich

Schaumburg