The Problem?

According to the 2008 Union County Student Survey, 58% of Union County students admitted to drinking alcohol. Of those 58%, 64% admitted to have their first drink before 8th grade.

In New Jersey the average age a child starts drinking is 11.2 years of age.

According to National Survey on Drug Use and Health's National Findings, slightly more than half of Americans aged 12 or older reported being current drinkers of alcohol in the 2007 survey (51.1%). This translates to an estimated 126.8 million people, which is similar to the 2006 estimate of 125.3 million people (50.9 percent).

More than one fifth (23.3%) of persons aged 12 or older participated in binge drinking at least once in the 30 days prior to the survey in 2007. This translates to about 57.8 million people. The rate in 2007 is similar to the rate in 2006 (23.0%).

 

 

 

Some of the reasons youth begin drinking...

 

Children become curious and some try drinking as early as 9 years old.

For most children, it’s not just one thing that influences them to drink, but a combination of factors.

Stress
When children worry about things like grades, fitting in, and physical appearance, they may use alcohol as a way to escape their problems.  Encourage your child to get involved in sports or other extracurricular activities as a healthier way to cope.

More Freedom
As children begin spending more time with their peers and less time with their parents, this increased freedom can lead to drinking. While, it’s important to give your child space, keep track of where they are and who they’re with. If they are at a friend’s house, make sure a responsible adult is nearby or accessible.

Curiosity
Taking chances and trying new things is a normal part of growing up. For some children, this exploration includes experimenting with alcohol.  Remind your child about the real risks of underage drinking, and make sure he or she knows how you feel about underage drinking.

Peer Pressure
Most children feel pressure to be popular and fit in. Many try alcohol when they are in a social setting where “everyone else is doing it.” Help boost your child’s confidence by helping them learn different ways to say “no”, and reminding them that real friends wouldn’t pressure them to drink.

Transitions
Life events, like going from middle school to high school, breaking up with a significant other, moving, or divorce, can cause a child to turn to alcohol. Reassure your child that things will get easier, and make sure he or she knows that drinking isn’t a solution.

Environment
If children grow up in an environment where adults drink excessively, they are more likely to drink themselves.  If you choose to drink, set a good example by drinking in moderation, and make sure your child knows that underage drinking is not acceptable.

Genetics
Children who come from a family with a history of alcoholism are at an increased risk for alco­hol dependence. If alcoholism runs in your family, have an honest discussion with your child, and make sure he or she understands the seriousness of the disease.

Personality
Children who are disruptive, hyperactive, or depressed are at a higher risk for alcohol prob­lems.  If you feel that your child’s social issues could lead him or her to abuse alcohol, con­sider having your child see a drug and alcohol counselor.

 

 

 

The Solution

 

Talk Early - Talk Often - Get others Involved

 

Research shows parents need to focus on the following principles when dealing with teenagers:

Family communication skills, appropriate discipline styles, firm and consistent rule enforcement, and other family management approaches. Research confirms the benefits of parents providing consistent rules and discipline, talking to children about drugs, monitoring their activities, getting to know their friends, understanding their problems and concerns, and being involved in their learning. The importance of the parent-child relationship continues through adolescence and beyond.

Learn to answer the tough questions.

As your child becomes more and more curious about alcohol, he or she may turn to you for answers and advice. Use this opportunity to start an open, honest conversation about drinking. Since some questions can be difficult to answer, it’s important to be prepared.

I got invited to a party... can I go? Ask your child if an adult will be present at the party, or if he or she thinks children will be drinking. Remind your child that even just being at a party where underage people are drinking can get them in trouble. Use this time to establish or reinforce your rules about alcohol, and what behavior you expect.

Did you drink when you were a child? If you drank as a teenager, experts recommend that you give an honest answer. Explain why you were tempted to try alcohol and why underage drinking is dangerous. You could even give your child an example of an embarrassing or painful moment that occurred because of your drinking.

Why do you drink? Explain to your child your reasons for drinking – whether it’s to enhance a meal, share good times with friends, or celebrate a special occasion. Point out that if you choose to drink, it’s always in moderation. Tell your child that some people shouldn’t drink at all, including children who are underage.

What if my friends ask me to drink? Helping your child say “no” to peer pressure is one of the most important things you can do to keep him or her alcohol-free. Work with your child to think of a way for them to handle this situation, whether it’s simply saying “No” or suggesting an alternative activity for them to do.

You drink alcohol, so why can’t I? Remind your child that underage drinking is against the law – for good reason. Point out that adults’ bodies are full-grown, so they can handle drinking; but children’s bodies are still growing, so alcohol can have a greater impact on their judgment and health.

Why is alcohol bad for me? Don’t try to scare your child about drinking or tell him or her, “You can’t handle it.” For example you should tell him or her, “Alcohol can be bad for your growing brain, interferes with your judgment, and can make you sick.” Once children hear the facts and your opinions about them, it’s easier for you to make rules and enforce them.

 

 

Tools

 

To Get Started Please Use The Following Tools!

To get started and receive your own Talk Kit from the Partnership for a Drug Free America click here:

To Create your own Action Plan please click here:

To access the Conversation Starter please click here:

 

 

 

Parents Who Host Lose The Most

 

Parents who host teenage drinking parties face a variety of unpleasant consequences:

Fact #1 It is illegal in New Jersey to serve alcohol to anyone who is under the legal drinking age of 21 (NJSA 2C:33-17a).

Fact #2 It is illegal in New Jersey to make your home or property available for the purpose of allowing anyone who is under the legal drinking age of 21 a place to consume alcohol (NJSA 2C:33-17b).

Fact #3 Any person who serves or makes alcohol available to a person under the legal drinking age of 21 is subject to a $1,000 fine and up to 180 days in jail per person served. Parents can be held civilly liable even if they are not present during the time of the party (NJSA 2C:33-17).

Fact #4  If serving an underage person alcohol results in injury, the adult may be charged with Endangering the Welfare of Children, and may be subject to a fine of up to $15,000 and up to 5 years in state prison (NJSA 2C:24-4)

Fact #5  New Jersey Law imposes civil liability on social hosts who serve alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age of 21 who is subsequently involved in an incident causing injury or death.

Fact #6  A social host may be sued for up to two years after an incident that occurs resulting in injury or death. As the result of a lawsuit, your house, car, and bank accounts may be seized and future wages may be garnished.

• The Union County Coalition’s Student Survey showed that  in 2008, 64% of Union County eighth graders had already consumed their first drink.


• The Union County Coalition’s Student Survey also showed that  in 2008, 53% of Union County’s youth perceived their parents having little or no concern about them drinking alcohol compared to 31% in 2001.


• In New Jersey, the average child first uses/abuses alcohol in 7th grade at 11.3 years old


• 68% of parents surveyed and 61% of teens surveyed said that it is generally easy for underage youth to get alcohol


• Studies reveal that alcohol consumption by adolescents results in brain damage, possibly


• permanent, and it impairs intellectual


• development


• Adolescents drink less and have fewer alcohol-related problems when their parents discipline them consistently and set clear expectations


• If drinking is delayed until age 21, a child’s risk of serious alcohol problems is decreased by 70%

Please click the link below to download the flyer

 

 

Resources

 

 

Learn more