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The Impact of Raising the Minimum Legal Drinking Age on Academic Achievement and Risky Behaviour: A Difference-in-Discontinuities Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Alonso-Armesto, Luis

    (University of Oxford)

  • Cáceres-Delpiano, Julio

    (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid)

  • Lekfuangfu, Warn N.

    (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid)

Abstract

This study examines the impact of increasing the Minimum Legal Drinking Age (from 16 to 18 years old) on the academic performance, substance use, and peer behaviours of teenagers. Using a difference-in-discontinuities design, we exploit regional MLDA reforms in Spain and PISA data to identify significant improvements in mathematics and science performance, particularly among male teenagers and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. A complementary analysis using data from the Survey on Drug Use in Secondary Education in Spain indicates that these academic gains coincide with reductions in alcohol consumption, intoxication, smoking, and marijuana use, suggesting a link between substance use and educational outcomes. Moreover, the reform led to less drinking and less use of illicit drugs within peer networks, highlighting the amplifying role of peer effects in policy impact.

Suggested Citation

  • Alonso-Armesto, Luis & Cáceres-Delpiano, Julio & Lekfuangfu, Warn N., 2025. "The Impact of Raising the Minimum Legal Drinking Age on Academic Achievement and Risky Behaviour: A Difference-in-Discontinuities Approach," IZA Discussion Papers 17772, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17772
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    Keywords

    difference-in-discontinuities; alcohol; risky behaviour; education; minimum legal drinking age; PISA; ESTUDES; Spain; teenagers;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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