What is the legal drinking age around the world?

South Africa may soon see the legal age for consuming alcohol raised from 18 to 21. Fin24 reported that Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies announced at a media conference yesterday that the National Liquor Amendment Bill of 2016 has been approved by Cabinet. There is a 45-day consultancy period with the public, after which the Bill may come into practice.

According to this article, Davies is concerned about the high level of foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in South Africa, and says that a young person's brain continues to develop into their twenties, and that alcohol abuse affect our youth more severely. 

We made a round-up of the legal drinking age around the world.

Do you think the legal age should be raised? Do you think this will be effective? What else can we do to protect South Africa's youth against alcohol abuse? Send your comments to chatback@parent24.com.