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Parents are the key to underage drinking prevention
Parents are the first line of defense in preventing alcoholism, yet youth reported that the number one place they got alcohol was from their home. When asked what their source of alcohol was the last time they drank, 19% of youth said their parents, another 5% said friend’s parents, and an addition 6% said they stole it from home. Less than 1% of youth reported buying alcohol from a store or tavern.
What parents can do:
Know your teen’s friends. They have a tremendous influence on the decisions your child will make about alcohol and other drugs.
Know the parents of your teen’s friends. It is much easier to parent within a network, where you can more effectively combat the “but John’s mom said it was okay” or “everyone else is allow to go” arguments.
Know where they are going and who the adult in charge will be. If you child is going to a friend’s house, ask if they parents will be home and give the parent a call to confirm this. Make your opinion about alcohol known. Teen’s whose parents have a no-use policy at home drink less often than their same age peers who report that their parents occasionally let them drink at home.
Report any violations. Other adults should not be giving your child alcohol! You have a right to step in and protect your child from this by reporting violations to law enforcement.
Why are parents and other adults providing young people alcohol? Excuses parents give
What are the legal consequences of hosting an underage drinking party, or providing alcohol to teens? Check out the Parents Who Host campaign.
How do I talk to my children about alcohol? Check out the helpful links below:
Talking with Kids
How do I approach difficult topics with my children? This site provides tips for talking to your kids at every age about alcohol, tobacco, sex, and other risky behaviors, and lists some common questions kids ask, and even includes suggested answers.
Kids Health
Kids and alcohol information is given by age group on this site. What parents should be doing and saying is laid out for each stage in their development, from preschool to college.
Parents: The Anti-Drug
Alcohol conversations with my teen? Where do I begin? What do I say? What will they ask? Tips and talking points that help kick-start those important conversations about alcohol.
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