Getting Alcohol is Easy for Many Teens.
84.3% of teens who drink say getting their hands on free alcohol is almost as easy as getting their hands on a pizza. Many teens access alcohol from their families, friends, or at other people’s homes, which makes underage drinking alarmingly easy. This accessibility poses significant risks, as drinking during adolescence is linked to risky behaviors, injuries, anxiety, and depression.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s website at niaaa.nih.gov, 5.6 million youth ages 12 to 20 report drinking alcohol beyond just a few sips in the past month. Alarmingly, binge drinking accounts for 90% of youth alcohol consumption. These drinking patterns increase the risk of long-term consequences, including impaired brain development, poor academic performance, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) later in life.
Good News: Teen Drinking is Declining.
Despite the challenges, there is good news: the number of Westchester teens who report drinking has been steadily decreasing. This decline is thanks to community efforts, school programs, and parental involvement. However, the work isn’t over. Preventing underage drinking requires continued vigilance to limit teens’ access to alcohol.
Research shows that prevention strategies—such as parental monitoring, clear communication about the dangers of drinking, and supervised social gatherings—can make a significant difference. Parents who set firm boundaries and serve as positive role models help protect their teens from the dangers of alcohol use.
How You Can Help Reduce Teen Drinking.
Parents play a vital role in shaping their children’s attitudes toward alcohol. Here are some effective ways you can help:
- Talk openly: Discuss the risks of drinking and the importance of staying alcohol-free.
- Set clear rules: Make it known that alcohol is off-limits in your home.
- Monitor access: Keep alcohol out of reach and know where your teen is spending their time.
- Encourage healthy activities: Promote sports, hobbies, and other interests that keep teens engaged and away from risky behaviors.
Stopping easy access to alcohol is one of the most effective ways to prevent underage drinking. By working together as families and communities, we can protect our teens’ well-being and help them make safe, healthy choices.
A Collective Effort for a Brighter Future.
Teen drinking may be declining, but every effort counts to keep this trend moving in the right direction. Parents, schools, and community organizations all have a role to play. Together, we can ensure fewer teens fall into the trap of underage drinking, helping them build healthier and more promising futures.
Source:
For more information, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism’s website at niaaa.nih.gov.