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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TALK TO YOUR TEENAGERS ABOUT ALCOHOL? RIGHT NOW.

Underage alcohol access is a national problem and a priority issue for parents, schools, law enforcement, government officials, the safety community, and alcohol industry. Yet of all these committed groups, one stands alone as having the best chance of making a difference in the livers of children: YOU.

Research consistently show kids really do listen to their parents more than it may appear. The question is, are you talking? If so, what are you saying? "Thank goodness they were only drinking." We hear that frequently from parents and guardians. While alcohol is legal for adults, it is important to remember that teens lack the maturity, judgment and coping skills to handle alcohol responsibly.

As a result:

• Alcohol-related traffic accidents are a major cause of death among teens. Alcohol use is also linked with youthful deaths by drowning, homicide and suicide.

• Teens who drink are more likely to have problems with school work and school conduct.

• 3 out of 10 high school students admit to binge drinking.

• An individual who begins drinking as a young teen is four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than someone who waits until adulthood to use alcohol.

Lead by example!

Whether you are aware of it or not, your child learns more by your actions than by your words alone. Be a good role model by drinking responsibly and using a designated driver. Disapprove of underage drinking—don’t condone or enable it.

Start Talking!

The subject of alcohol is not an easy one to bring up with your children. Your teen may be reluctant to speak to you at first, and may try to avoid the discussion. Here are some helpful tips:

• It’s a conversation, not a lecture. Choose a time when both you and your child have some "down time" and the conversation can be leisurely and relaxed.

• Control your emotions. If you hear something upsetting, try not to respond with anger. Try to communicate your feelings to your child in a constructive manner.

• Set clear-cut rules. Let your teens know what is expected of them. Establish appropriate consequences for breaking rules and make certain you reinforce them.

• Offer acceptance and respect. Acknowledge that your child will soon be an adult. This doesn’t mean they no longer need guidance and supervision; however, do tell them you are going to make an effort to respect their need for some independence and privacy.

• Talk about the Internet. Discuss the various uses of the Internet, both positive and negative. Reinforce the fact that you want to trust your child while he or she is using a computer; however, do remind them that certain purchases or activities are illegal –and potentially deadly—and that if they break the rules, they will have to pay the consequences.

• Be aware and take appropriate actions. Recognize problem behavior and seek help when necessary.

Write to Your Elected State and Federal Officials. Below is a Sample Letter:

Dear_________:

As a concerned parent, I am opposed to any state law that weakens local alcohol controls which safeguard and otherwise help protect our children and communities from unaccountable alcohol sales online, through catalogs or over the telephone.

I do not support any law that would allow young people to point, click, drink—or purchase alcohol of any kind—over the Internet where age verification is impossible. I urge you to continue to support alcohol regulations and do not allow alcohol producers to bypass local control and face-to-face transactions through direct-to-consumer sales and delivery.

Thank you, ________

For more information or to identify your community’s elected officials, please visit our Web site, www.pointclickdrink.com

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