Teens are starting to use alcohol at earlier age than ever before. We’re actually seeing pre-teens admitting to experimenting with alcohol! Yes! Our babies!! Here’s some information to help you on this topic from Kendra Smiley:
Here is the bad news: According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, “On average, boys first try alcohol at age 11 and girls at 13. Teens who begin drinking before 15 are 5 times more likely to become dependent on alcohol than those who start at 21. There are an estimated three million teens in America who are alcoholics.”
Here is the good news: New research from the University of Maryland found that alcohol consumption by college students is directly tied to the amount of drinking they did in high school. (Family Circle, July ‘08)
Why is this last study good news for parents?
- This is good news because children who live at home are still under the direct influence of their parents.
- Because children are being offered alcohol at such an early age, bringing up the topic on more than one occasion with your children when they are in middle school is a good idea. Look for opportunities to educate them about the addictive nature of alcohol. There are many teachable moments from what the media covers. (e.g. celebrity goes to rehab).
- Monitor your teens’ behavior. Let them know the boundaries you have set and the consequences for broken rules.
- Also inform your children about the consequences they will suffer in other areas of their lives. For example, most schools have tough rules when it comes to drinking and participation in extra-curricular activities. In addition, let your teen know that being drunk or having a hang-over can make it more difficult to do well in mental tasks (taking a test) or physical ones (hitting a baseball).
- Sadly, a study done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration indicated that many of the nation’s estimated 10.8 million underage drinkers are turning to their parents or other adults for free alcohol. Mom and Dad, it is your responsibility to model responsible behavior and not to contribute to poor decisions on the part of your kids.
I would love to hear from you on this subject. Please email me at Kendra@KendraSmiley.com.
Helping You MAKE THE NEXT RIGHT CHOICE
www.KendraSmiley.com
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