underage drinking prevention: for parents

Parents: watch this four-minute video from a high school student, "Is 21 the magic age? NO"

What you can do

They do care what you think. Let your son/daughter know that drinking is illegal until age 21 and that it is not acceptable.

Be clear about where you stand. Connect with the parents of your son/daughter’s friends. Let the parents know that you do not want your son/daughter drinking alcohol.

Don’t provide temptation. Monitor the alcohol in your home. Count the cans/bottles in the refrigerator and lock up the liquor.

It’s not your right, it’s your responsibility. Keep track of your son/daughter, ask where they are going, who they are going with, what they are doing and when they will be home.

Set a good example. Drink responsibly – NEVER drink and drive.

Other tips:

Here are some other things you can do:

Visit TheAntiDrug.com for expert advice on starting tough conversations and for more details on the survey findings.

Learn how to start and maintain an ongoing conversation. Visit the Conversation Starters section to get tips on initiating tough conversations with teens.

Listen to audio vignettes: Conversations for Parents. Parents can listen to a dozen different scenarios of parent-teen conversations and get expert advice based on each specific vignette.

Order free materials on keeping your kids safe and healthy for use in communities including schools, youth-serving groups, and parent-teacher organizations are also available.

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