Alcohol
By Shae, May 2005
Alcohol is the number one abused drug among teenagers today. Approximately 7% of the nation’s eighth graders; 18% of tenth graders; and 30% of twelfth graders report they have been drunk during the last month. It starts early. It has been reported that alcohol use starts as early as the age of 13. That is children in the sixth grade.
This problem not only hurts these children in school with their grades and behavior, but also in society. We are all affected by it. Use of alcohol and other drugs is associated with the leading causes of death and injury (e.g., motor-vehicle crashes, homicides, and suicides) among teenagers and young adults.
Our society is not helping. Teenagers are constantly pressured by movie stars, professional athletes, and convincing advertisements. Pressure to conform to the societal norm is ever present, even in the classroom. The NCADD reported that 35% of children in the fourth grade report having been pressured by their classmates to drink; by the time they reach sixth grade, 49% have been pressured in the classroom.
As a parent, these statistics can leave you very disheartened and discouraged. Most parents feel like they have no control over what their teenager chooses to do. What most fail to realize is that teenagers biggest role model and main determining factor is their parents. It is very common for teenagers to site their parents as the reason they do not drink.
Here are some tips to prevent your teen from drinking alcohol:
- Openly express your opinion and disapproval of underage drinking.
- Never allow your child to attend parties that will involve alcohol.
- Lock up and monitor your alcohol at home.
- Never buy alcohol for anyone under the age of 21.
- Be consistent.
- Talk to your teen
Unfortunately, alcohol abuse is a snow ball affect. First alcohol, then smoking, then more drug abuse. Prevention is crucial. The number one prevention tool you have as a parent is a consistent and responsible example. Telling your children that underage drinking is wrong is just the first step. The second and most important step is your example. By preventing and stopping alcohol abuse you will be saving more than one life.
Sources
- http://www.aacap.org/
- http://www.extension.umn.edu/
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.5 License.