This is just another example of how the US is all uptight while the rest of the world shakes their heads...

That is not smart at all.

When my daughter was attending high school there was a mom who used her daughter's account to peruse the Friend list just to look for incriminating photos. Anyone who was photographed with a cigarette or beer in hand was finked on to the principal of the school. I know at least one school athlete was suspended from participating in school games because of it.

In regard to drinking. ..

But society has gone way overboard on what constitutes 'child neglect'. I had my first drink when I was 10; my grandmother gave me a grasshopper. (Probably watered down, but still.) At 14, I drank the once in a blue moon pina colada. Children who grow up with alcohol as some strange 'forbidden fruit' are likely to go hog wild when they finally can 'drink legally'. Let your child see that alcohol isn't some big deal, educate them on how it affects and damages the body, and yeah, maybe let them try it at home to 'demystify' it. (Note, I didn't see ages listed anywhere, I'm not suggesting giving 4 year olds booze.)

it was written by someone who at least tried to study Journalism.

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/mom-gave-7-year-old-son-fireball-shot-longwood-police-say/27905818

"LONGWOOD, Fla. -
A Longwood mom has been charged with child neglect for giving her 7-year-old son a shot of whiskey, according to police.

"It was plain stupid," said Officer Kevin Tuck, with the Longwood Police Department.

Tuck said giving children alcohol is illegal and will not be tolerated."