Don’t be a party to teenage drinking.      It’s against the law. Call (888) 843-8222 to report violations.

Ways Parents Can Make A Difference

• Set a Good Example. Your children are watching you! Be moderate in your own use of alcohol or abstain altogether, and avoid using alcohol as a way to relax or cope with problems. Don’t drink under unsafe conditions such as while driving. Your child will not make safe decisions if you don’t. A “do as I say, not as I do” attitude just won’t cut it.
  
  
• Lay down the ground rules. It’s your job to teach your child that alcohol is not an option. When parents “bargain” with kids, allowing them to drink as long as they promise not to drive, kids are actually more likely to drive after drinking or to be in a car with someone who has been drinking. Set reasonable but firm rules that you will enforce. Explain the facts about alcohol as well as your family’s opinions. Make it clear that alcohol is not an option until your child is 21. And make the legal consequences and your family’s rules and consequences known.
  
  
• Listen to your children. Pay attention to them and play an active role in their lives. Build their self-esteem and avoid constant criticism. Let them talk to you without interrupting them or taking issue with their point of view. Research shows that one of the best ways to prevent alcohol use and abuse is communication between parent and child.
  
  
• Talk to your children. Teach your children that actions have consequences at any age, and every choice matters. Talk to them about alcohol, and everything else! And start early. The teen-age years often bring strong feelings and emotions. Establish a strong foundation by beginning a dialogue in their pre-teen years.
  
  
• Keep the lines of communication open. One or two conversations about alcohol with your children is not enough. If you want them to come to you, you’re going to have to get comfortable with difficult subjects. Encourage discussion on topics of concern to your teenager: alcohol, drugs, sex and the need for peer group acceptance.
  
  
• Don’t be naïve. Watch for signs of abuse like dropping grades, switching friends, missing money, and withdrawal – to name just a few. If you sense a problem, seek help. It could save your child’s life.
  
  
• Refuse to supply alcohol to youth.
  
  
• Be at home when your teen has a party. Make sure that alcohol is not brought into your home or on your property by your teen’s friends.
  
  
• Talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at other events your child will be attending.
  
  
• Create alcohol-free opportunities and activities in your home so teens will feel welcome.
  
  
• Report underage drinking by calling the anonymous, toll-free hotline at (888) 843-8322.