These are facts about under age drinking that go beyond the usual grim scenarios. These are facts that might encourage some parents and strengthen their commitment to guide their children well. The usual facts paint a very alarming trend, all of which are based on research. But oftentimes, grim statistics are situation is hopeless.
So, these under age drinking facts might offer some sort of encouragement to parents.
- A very large majority of American teenagers (90%) say that drinking is not worth the consequences it can cause. “Teen girls ages 15 to 17 are significantly more likely than their male peers to report drinking is not worth the consequences it can cause (97% and 88%, respectively).” (1)
Take note, though, that this figure does not mean they are not drinking. Teenagers just SAY that drinking is not worth the consequences. If you compare this to recent reports that almost half of young people think that drinking is not a big deal, you might think they are contradictory, but the facts actually make sense. It means that teenagers cannot be bothered by data and statistics, so they might respond more to personalized approaches. Meaning, talk to them about their specific and particular life circumstances rather than scare them with national trends and data such as medical consequences and fatality figures.
- Children respond better to clear punishments from authorities outside the home. When asked about the punishment they fear the most if they were caught drinking, a big majority cited two: getting in trouble with the police and getting suspended from school. The other punishment cited is being suspended from clubs and sports activities. Only a small percentage cited parental punishments such as losing allowance and getting yelled at as reasons to stop drinking. (2)
This is significant because nearly four out of five youths have said that they are likely to stop drinking if given these punishments. The report, however, said, “Unfortunately, the threat of punishment if caught drinking alcohol diminishes with age: 87% of 12 year olds say they would definitely not continue to drink, while only 50% of 13-15 year olds and 46% of 16-18 year olds are likely not to drink given the threat of punishment.”
- Children imitate their parents. This is an old universal fact. So, parents can become models of responsible drinking to their children. Parents cannot stop their children from drinking, especially in that today’s environment creates greater pressures on children than ever before to try alcohol. What parents can do is to become models of responsible use of alcohol. Such practices as weekend drinking of wine between parents while enjoying their life, stopping when they feel they have had enough might actually create a good memory of alcohol control among their children.
These are simple but oftentimes overlooked facts about underage drinking that parents should always take into consideration when dealing with teenagers who are into alcohol use. Yes, there are grim figures that should alarm them, but there are encouraging facts that they can also hold on to.
- 1. TCC, Opinion Research Corp, Caravan, February 2008
The Century Council, TRU, Omnibuzz May 2003