Underage Drinking: It’s Everyone’s Problem.

Car crashes, unplanned pregnancies, violence, alcohol dependency, serious health issues. These are just a few of the consequences of underage drinking that cause problems for youths at home, at school, at work, and with the law.

And when it’s their problem, it’s your problem too.

But you can help. Research shows that youths are receptive to clear, consistent no-use messages from the people and organizations that touch their lives.

Reach Out To Prevent Underage Drinking By:

• Including your commitment to combat teen alcohol use in public remarks and printed materials.

• Setting a no-use policy for all youth activities.

• Being aware of the connection between alcohol and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.

• Talking with youths about alcohol and listening to their concerns.

• Educating parents about the warning signs of underage drinking.

• Advocating for public policies that reduce underage drinking.

• Supervising alcohol-free areas where youths can gather for social or athletic activities.

• Promoting student assistance programs and alcohol-specific counseling services in schools.

• Modeling positive behavior by not engaging in illegal or unhealthy alcohol use.

• Informing others of the serious consequences of underage drinking.

• Building a network of leaders and resources that work to discourage underage drinking.

• Supporting enforcement efforts of laws and policies related to underage drinking.

Resources

Talk2Prevent

For more information visit New York State Office of Addiction Services and Support.