Parents

“Every teenager tries it” …. “It’s natural for teens to experiment with alcohol” …….. “I did it when I was his age and I survived”……”At least it’s just alcohol and not drugs”

Sound familiar?

While many parents have “lived though it”, the fact is, the social norms are changing when it comes to underage drinking. Teen alcohol use and abuse is a topic that has been widely researched in the past few decades, revealing much more information about its harmful and lasting effects on teens. The bottom line is we know more about underage drinking now than we did back then. The health risks are greater than we ever knew before and the legal consequences are far stiffer than in the past.

In a 2003 Risk and Protective Factor Survey, 83 percent of Panhandle high school seniors who drank alcohol reported that they got it from someone over 21.78 percent of local high school seniors that drank alcohol reported drinking it in someone else’s home. Members of the Panhandle Prevention Coalition believe the only way to turn back this trend is to change the belief system and social norm by reinforcing the message that underage drinking is unacceptable.

There are many ways parents can help their child make the decision to avoid alcohol consumption; the most effective is open communication. If you are a parent who assumes your child knows better than to drink alcohol, you’re wrong. The fact is, unless you have had candid on-going discussions about the dangers and consequences associated with underage alcohol consumption, your child may be one of the many who choose to use. Here are a few tips to help you talk openly with your kids about underage drinking:

Encourage your kids to practice saying no. Talk to them about the best ways to get out of uncomfortable conversations. Role play with your kids. Set firm rules. Ask when they are going out, who they will be with, what they will be doing and which adult will be supervising.
Clearly explain both the legal and real-life consequences of underage drinking (I.e.: getting arrested, heavy fines, potential loss of control and judgment, health consequences or getting kicked off a sports team).
If you consume alcohol, set an example for your children by doing so responsibly and pledging not to provide alcohol to youth.

Another strategy for keeping your teen away from alcohol is to be aware of what’s going on in your own home. Two out of three teens age 13 to 18 say it’s easy to get alcohol from their houses without their parents knowing about it. - AMA Teen Sources of Alcohol Poll Release, 2005. In some cases, parents actually agree to host a party or allow minors to drink in their own home. Some believe that because “teens will choose to drink anyway,” it’s better for them to party at home rather than out in public. This behavior sends a message to teens that drinking is not only okay, but actually supported by their parents. The fact is, not all teens will choose drink, and parental involvement, education and awareness will have great influence on a teen’s decision to drink alcohol.

Teenagers often act like the last thing they want to do is hang out with their parents, but studies show the benefits are long lasting. One of the best ways to keep teens away from alcohol is to keep them in engaged in productive activities. Here are some ideas:

Play a quick game of hoops or another outside sport before dinner.
Take advantage of the little opportunities to talk to your child, such as when you are going to the grocery store or driving to school
Plan a weekly date with your child and do something you both enjoy. Try eating out, having a movie night, a family game night or riding bikes
Engage your children in discussion during mealtimes. Ask “what was the best part of your day” and “what was the worst?”

Characteristics of a Minor Least Likely to Use Alcohol

q The child’s parents know his or her friends and the parents of those friends.

q The child is active in extracurricular school activities and other hobbies.

q The child is part of a strong family in which there is a clear and consistent policy on underage drinking.

q The child is educated about the dangerous effects of alcohol and the large number of teens who choose not to use
alcohol.

Warning signs of teenage alcohol and drug abuse may include:

q Physical: Fatigue, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes and a lasting cough.

q Emotional: personality change, sudden mood changes, irritability, irresponsible behavior, low self-esteem, poor
judgment, depression and a general lack of interest.

q Family: starting arguments, breaking rules or withdrawing from the family.

q School: decreased interest, negative attitude, drop in grades, frequent absences, skipping school and discipline
problems.

q Social problems: new friends who are less interested in standard home and school activities, problems with the law
and changes to less conventional styles in dress and music.