“If my kid drinks, she’s going to do it at home”
We’ve all heard this. Maybe we’ve said it. After all, we all want to keep our kids safe.
Unfortunately, we’re wrong.
Statistics show that the winter holiday season can be a real “danger zone” for underage drinkers. Children may want to sample alcoholic drinks. College students are home. Parties are everywhere.
This is what we know:
• Roughly 40% of youth who start drinking before age 15 will become alcoholic at some point during their lifetime, as opposed to 7% of those who wait until they are 21
• Nearly 90% of 10th graders and 75% of 8th graders say that alcohol is “fairly easy” or “very easy” to get (Johnston et. al)
• Underage drinking plays a role in risky sexual activity, and increases the risk of carrying out, or being a victim of a sexual assault
The drinking age is set at 21 partially because by this age the brain and body are more fully developed. Early alcohol use can change the chemistry of the brain and increase the likelihood of that person becoming an alcohol abuser (Arizona Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families, Health World)
Contrary to what you might be hearing from your children, parents can make a difference.
• Be clear with your children on where you stand on alcohol use. Do not buy alcohol for your children or illegally serve alcohol to underage children
• Do not over-consume yourself
• Monitor all of your guests to assure that no-one drives while impaired
• Hold teens accountable for their actions. Drinking is not “just part of growing up”. It is illegal and a hazard.
The Coalition for a Drug-Free Southwest Florida has solutions. Call us at (239) 573-8747, or visit our website at drugfreeswfl.org.
