YOUNG TEENS AND
ALCOHOL: THE RISKS
For young people, alcohol is the drug of choice. In fact, alcohol is used by more young people than tobacco or illicit. Although most children under age 14 have not yet begun to drink, early adolescence is a time of special risk for beginning to experience with alcohol.
While some parents and guardians may feel relieved that their teen is “only” drinking. It is important to remember that alcohol is a powerful, mood-altering drug. Not only does alcohol affect the mind and body in often unpredictable ways, but teens lack the judgment and coping skills to handle alcohol wisely. As a result:
· Alcohol-related traffic crashes are a major cause of death among young people. Alcohol is also linked with teen deaths by drowning, suicide, and homicide.
· Teens who use alcohol are more likely to be sexually active at earlier ages, to have sexual intercourse more often, and to have unprotected sex than teens who do not drink.
· Young people who drink are more likely than others to be victims of violent crime, including rape, aggravated assault, and robbery.
· Teens who drink are more likely to have problems with school work and school conduct.
· The majority of boys and girls who drink tend to binge (5 or more drinks on an occasion) when they drink.
· A person 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.
The message is clear: Alcohol use is a very risky business for young people. And the longer children delay alcohol use, the less likely they are to develop any problems associated with it. That’s why it is so important to help your child avoid any alcohol use.
TIPS FOR TALKING
WITH YOUR TEEN
Developing open, trusting communication between you and your child is essential to helping him or her avoid alcohol use. If your child feels comfortable talking openly with you, you’ll have a greater chance of guiding him or her toward healthy decision making. Some ways to begin:
§ Encourage conversation. Encourage your child to talk about whatever interests him or her. Listen without interruption and give your child a chance to teach you something new. Your active listening to your child’s enthusiasms paves the way for conversations about topics that concern you.
§ Ask open-ended questions. Encourage your teen to tell you how he or she thinks and feels about the issue you’re discussing. Avoid questions that have a simple “yes” or “no” answer.
§ Control your emotions. If you hear something you don’t like, try not to respond with anger. Instead, take a few deep breaths and acknowledge your feelings in a constructive way.
§ Make every conversation a “win-win” experience. Don’t lecture or try to “score points” on your teen by showing how he or she is wrong. If you show respect for your child’s viewpoint, he or she will be more likely to listen to and respect yours.
§ Draw the line. Set clear, realistic expectations for your child’s behavior. Establish appropriate consequences for breaking rules and consistently enforce them.
§ Offer acceptance. Make sure your teen knows that you appreciate his or her efforts as well as accomplishments. Avoid hurtful teasing or criticism.
§ Understand that your child is growing up. This doesn’t mean a hands-off attitude. But as you guide your child’s behavior, also make an effort to respect his or her growing need for independence and privacy.
TAKING ACTION:
PREVENTION STRATEGIES
FOR PARENTS
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While parent-child conversations about not drinking are essential, talking isn’t enough—you also need to take concrete action to help your child resist alcohol. Research strongly shows that active, supportive involvement by parents and guardians can help teens avoid underage drinking and prevent later alcohol misuse.
Recent surveys report that teens say alcohol was “fairly easy” or “very easy” to get. The message is clear. Young teens still need plenty of adult supervision. Some ways to provide it:
v Monitor Alcohol Use in Your Home. If you keep alcohol in your home, keep track of the supply. Make it clear to your child that you don’t allow unchaperoned parties or other teen gatherings in your home. If possible, however, encourage him or her to invite friends over when you are at home. The more entertaining your child does in your home, the more you will know about your child’s friends and activities.
v Connect With Other Parents. Getting to know other parents and guardians can help you keep closer tabs on your child. Friendly relations can make it easier for you to call the parent of a teen who is having a party to be sure that a responsible adult will be present and that alcohol will not be available. You’re likely to find out that you’re not the only adult who wants to prevent teen alcohol use—many other parents share your concern.
v Keep Track of Your Child’s Activities. Be aware of your teen’s plans and whereabouts. Generally, your child will be more open to your supervision if he or she feels you are keeping tabs because you care, not because you distrust him or her.
v Develop Family Rules About Youthful Drinking. When parents establish clear “no alcohol” rules and expectations, their children are less likely to begin drinking. Although each family should develop agreements about teen alcohol use that reflect their own beliefs and values, some possible family rules about drinking are:
· Kids will not drink alcohol until they are 21.
· Older siblings will not encourage younger brothers or sisters to drink and will not give them alcohol
· Kids will not stay at teen parties where alcohol is served.
· Kids will not ride on a car with a
driver who has been drinking.
THE COOL SPOT
It’s not always easy to get through to adolescents. Parents need all the help they can get. An interactive website for middle schoolers, thecoolspot.gov, is an interactive tool designed specifically for kids. Help your child better understand the risks of underage drinking and ways to resist peer pressure.
Log on together www.thecoolspot.gov.
