Parents are the front line to preventing underage drinking. Many times adults think "Teens are going to drink, it might as well be while they are safe at home under my supervision." or "I drank when I was a teen, this is a rite of passage thing." However, the latest research shows that teens who start routinely drinking before age 21 are five times more likely to end up with chronic alcohol problems than teens who wait until the legal age of 21. Research also shows that the brain is still developing through the early twenties. Prematurely introducing alcohol to the brain can seriously affect how the brain develops.
Brain Development
Emergency Room Discharges with Binge Drinking Diagnosis, 2007 *
*Note that females ages 12-17 have been admitted to the emergency room with a binge drinking diagnosis more than their male counterparts.
Parents who begin talking to their children about the negative effects of underage drinking will have a huge impact on their children’s decision to begin drinking. Begin the conversation, and just as important, listen. Peer pressure can be tough at any age so providing strong parental support and a safe and supportive home life will give youth the courage to fight off negative peer pressure.
Support your children’s future – ensure that they LIVE 2 GRADUATE!
Underage drinking can have serious consequences. Protect your children from the risks associated with drinking - maintain open communication, don't provide the alcohol, don't allow underage drinking parties in your home or in a hotel room. For more information, contact: Marsha Lyon, Social Access Workgroup, 619-582-9056.
We encourage you to adopt a Parent Pledge that further solidifies your commitment to preventing underage drinking.
Teens tell parents their most important job is to talk to them about the conse- quences of underage drinking and know who their friends are.
News Release
Here are a few tips for parents to help prevent underage drinking:
- Never provide alcohol to youth at parties or celebrations you host.
- Do not host teen drinking parties or allow them to happen in your home.
- Know where your teens are going and what the house rules other parents have about providing alcohol to teens.
- April is National "Alcohol Awareness" Month. Click here for more information on the impact of alcohol.
- May is National "Save A Teen" Month. Click here for the press release for California's Alcohol & Beverage Control for ideas on how you can help.
- During prom & graduation events, be sure to know your teen's plans & if they change during the event. Check in with your teen during the event via text or cell phone.
