Talk. They Hear You.
Alcohol is the most common drug used by individuals under age 21 in the United States. Underage drinking can cause short and long-term consequences. It alters adolescent brain development, impacting learning and memory, and significantly increases the likelihood of developing an alcohol use disorder later in life. Furthermore, it leads to risky behaviors that result in thousands of deaths annually from accidents, violence, and suicide.
Why Parent & Caregiver Conversations Matter
Research shows that parents and caregivers are among the strongest influences on a young person’s decisions about alcohol use. Early, ongoing conversations about the risks of underage drinking can help delay or prevent alcohol use among youth. By starting these conversations before children reach high school, families and communities can work together to reduce underage drinking and support healthier outcomes for young people.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “parents and caregivers have a significant influence in their children’s decisions about using alcohol and other drugs,” and talking with children “early and often” can help prevent underage drinking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also notes that clear communication, parental monitoring, and setting expectations are associated with lower rates of youth substance use.
