Milton Parents Do It Better…They Talk
Parents remain the single greatest influence over their children’s behavior. The first step in working to prevent underage drinking is to talk about it.
- When you talk with your children about drinking, listen to what they have to say. Respecting your child’s views can go a long way to getting your child’s attention.
- Talk in your home, during meals, in the car, at the game — find a time when you can both be attentive and when disruptions will be at a minimum.
- The younger your child when you begin the conversation, the less likely it is your child will choose to drink.
- Make clear your expectation that your children will not drink.
- Teach your children about the dangers of underage drinking.
- Using your own discretion, talk openly. Be prepared to answer tough questions, including questions about your own alcohol and drug use.
- Always keep the lines of communication open.
The key reason kids give for not drinking is that they do not want to disappoint their parents.
According to the 2009 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey, in Milton:
- 27% of 8th graders reported that they acquired alcohol by taking it or stealing it from home;
- 38% of 8th graders reported that they first consumed alcohol, other than a few sips, prior to age 13.
- Only 20% of 8th graders think that there is a great risk in people harming themselves from drinking one or two alcoholic drinks nearly every day.
- 23% of 8th graders had consumed at least one alcoholic drink within the past 30 days.
Did You Know?
- Adolescents who drink before age 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21.
- Alcohol use remains extremely widespread among today’s teenagers. Nationally, more than a third (37%) have consumed alcohol (more than a few sips) by eighth grade.
- In 2008, 56.2% of current underage drinkers (ages 12-20) reported that their last use of alcohol occurred in someone else’s home; 29.6% reported that it occurred in their own home.
- Heavy drinking among youth has been linked to violence, academic and job problems, suicidal behavior, trouble with law enforcement authorities, risky sexual behavior, and use of cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine, and other illegal drugs.
Looking for some ideas about how to talk to your kids about the dangers of underage drinking?
- ParentFurther.com - supported by the Search Institute, ParentFurther provides tips and tricks for positive dialogue with kids of a number of different ages.
- ParentUpvt.org - Resources from the Vermont Department of Health in parenting and discussing the issues around underage drinking with teens and pre-teens.
- Abovetheinfluence.com - A fun, interactive website for teens around the impact of substance use on teens.
Updated on December 5, 2011