Given that parents wield the most significant influence over their children’s decisions regarding alcohol consumption, we cannot afford to overlook this crucial topic within our households. Initiating conversations about preventing underage drinking is always relevant and necessary to ensure the safety of our kids.
Parents stand as the primary influencers when it comes to decisions about underage drinking. Both parents and their children acknowledge that decisions related to alcohol consumption will be made in the near future. Concerns about underage drinking affecting judgment, hampering physical and brain development, and leading to perilous unintended consequences are the top reasons why youth should abstain from underage drinking.
In recognition of April being Alcohol Responsibility Month, it is an opportune moment to delve into discussions about the impact of alcohol on developing minds and bodies as part of our ongoing dialogue on preventing underage drinking.
Parents and best friends hold the foremost sway when it comes to influencing decisions about underage drinking, as indicated by data:
- Approximately 31% of parents identify themselves as the primary influence on their child(ren)’s decision to drink alcohol or abstain, followed by best friends at 27%, with social media trailing behind at 18%.
- Conversely, 33% of children regard their parents as the leading influence on their decision to consume or abstain from alcohol, with best friends at 25%, and social media at 17%.
Children must comprehend the risks associated with underage drinking, which is why they are not allowed to partake in alcohol consumption until they reach the age of 21. Additionally, it’s imperative to emphasize that underage drinking is not only illegal but also a risky behavior.
Regardless of whether you are broaching the subject of underage drinking prevention for the first time or revisiting it as your children grow older, every conversation you have on this topic establishes vital lines of communication and fortifies your relationship. Below, you’ll find my recommendations on how to discuss underage drinking prevention at various ages and stages.
GUIDE TO DISCUSSING UNDERAGE DRINKING PREVENTION WITH CHILDREN
If you’ve been contemplating addressing this topic but have felt apprehensive, rest assured that I’m here to help you feel prepared for age-appropriate conversations about underage drinking with your elementary school-aged child. I will also provide guidance on sustaining these conversations as your children progress through middle and high school.
DISCUSS UNDERAGE DRINKING FACTS WITH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AGES
Young children are naturally inquisitive and observant. They may notice your colorful beverages garnished with enticing fruit slices or fun umbrellas and wonder why they are not allowed to have a sip. In some cases, they may directly ask about it. For example, during a ballgame one summer, our nine-year-old daughter inquired if she could have a beer.
When they ask questions like, “Why do grown-ups drink alcohol, but I can’t?” you can respond by imparting the following facts:
First, it’s important to understand that it’s against the law, and there’s a rationale behind this prohibition. Alcohol can be misused, and individuals must be of a certain age to take responsibility for its consumption. Statistics show that adolescents who drink are highly susceptible to accidents and perilous situations. Moreover, since you are still young and your body and brain are still developing, consuming alcohol can have detrimental effects.*
Additionally, specific privileges are associated with age. This extends beyond alcohol consumption to other aspects of life. Adults not only have the legal right to drink but also to drive cars, vote, and engage in other activities. However, with increased privileges come greater responsibilities, such as working, paying taxes, and providing for their families.*
*Adapted from Say it Loud, Say it Proud: Communicating Effectively from AskListenLearn.org
These responses leverage their curiosity as a springboard for a fact-based discussion about what alcohol is and the physical consequences it has on developing brains and bodies. Children as young as nine can grasp the concept that alcohol not only affects their developing brains but is also illegal for consumption until the age of 21.
When children are armed with facts, they are better equipped to make informed, healthy choices and engage in safe decision-making. Familiarize yourself with these facts to understand why alcohol and children should not mix.
Initiating these conversations at an early stage and maintaining them as your child grows serve as the foundation for a strong parent-child relationship, ensuring that discussions about responsibility continue to evolve.
ICE BREAKERS FOR UNDERAGE DRINKING PREVENTION CONVERSATIONS WITH MIDDLE SCHOOLERS
Underage drinking prevention is covered during substance abuse units in middle school health education classes. However, it is crucial to follow up on what was taught in the classroom with discussions at home. Research reveals that when conversations about alcohol increase, rates of underage drinking decrease.
Since 2003, discussions between parents and children have increased by 31%, resulting in a simultaneous 53% reduction in current underage drinking rates (indicating consumption within the past 30 days).
Moreover, it’s not just parents who are making strides—children are initiating conversations more frequently over the past two decades, indicating significant progress.
Although conversing with your middle schooler might seem challenging, this data underscores their desire to engage in dialogue. They are relying on you to provide stability and structure during a period when they may feel uncertain about their inner selves.
Effective ways to discuss underage drinking with middle schoolers include:
Seizing teachable moments, such as responding to a request for a beer at a ballpark
Using current events as conversation starters
Capitalizing on shared times, such as in the car, during meals, or before bedtime
Discussing responsible decision-making
Incorporating regular check-in times. Here is a valuable list of open-ended questions to facilitate discussions that promote social and emotional well-being.
According to Monitoring the Future (2022), 52% of 8th graders perceive binge drinking as risky behavior, with 81% disapproving of it. The substantial number of 8th graders who view binge drinking as risky and disapprove of it underscores the effectiveness of conversations in preventing underage drinking.
CONTINUING UNDERAGE DRINKING PREVENTION CONVERSATIONS WITH HIGH SCHOOLERS
It is reassuring to know that fewer American teenagers are engaging in underage alcohol consumption. In fact, nearly three out of five teenagers have never consumed alcohol (Monitoring the Future, 2022). However, as statistics demonstrate a decline in consumption, discussions with your high schooler about underage drinking become even more imperative.
From the start of high school to graduation, numerous milestones are reached. These four years are marked by excitement and turbulence as teenagers explore newfound independence in preparation for adulthood.
During high school, teenagers often start driving, obtaining learner’s permits before earning their driver’s licenses. This newfound freedom comes with increased risk.
It is vital to discuss alcohol-related scenarios with them so they are prepared when offered a drink at a friend’s house. Additionally, ensure they understand that they can call or text you if the person providing them a ride has consumed alcohol and they lack a safe mode of transportation home. They should also be aware of the consequences associated with driving under the influence.
While we want to trust our teenagers with their growing autonomy, we must also equip them with the tools to make sound decisions, especially concerning alcohol. Offer your assistance to ensure their safety and provide a sense of security without judgment.
Whether your child is setting their sights on college, trade school, employment, or a gap year, underage drinking can derail their post-graduation aspirations. Acknowledge their hard work during high school and remind them
of their goals, both big and small. Ensure that they understand how underage drinking can jeopardize the goals they are diligently pursuing.
As parents, it is also essential to be aware of the laws pertaining to providing alcohol to underage individuals. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 58% of underage drinkers report that the alcohol they consumed came from family and friends.
Furnishing alcohol to underage individuals within your home is referred to as social hosting. The consequences of social hosting vary by state, so it is crucial to be well-informed about the laws in your state and any other relevant legislation, such as Good Samaritan laws designed to enhance the safety of teenagers.
For additional tips on discussing alcohol and underage drinking with your children, consider visiting Responsibility.org and AskListenLearn.org. You can also explore other articles I have written to assist you in navigating these critical conversations:
- How to Teach Kids to Make Sound Decisions in Challenging Situations
- What to Do When Your Kids Request a Sip of Your Beverage
- Why Initiating Conversations Early Matters When Your 9-Year-Old Asks for a Beer
- What Parenting Books Don’t Tell You About Fostering Lifelong Dialogues with Your Children
- Eight Valuable Lessons Kids Can Learn from a Brewery Tour
