“I’d rather they drink under my roof than drink and drive.” Some of my friends’ parents spouted this motto when talking with my parents about their underage children’s drinking habits. While somewhat understandable—they didn’t want their children to put themselves in harm’s way by drinking and driving, and they didn’t want to be rigid—the premise is fallible. Underage drinking is harmful. Period. And, as parents, we can promote a healthy lifestyle and still be engaged with our children.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. This is an excellent time to remind our teens of the dangers of drinking alcohol, especially at their age. Because their brains are still developing, the risks involved with drinking escalate and their chances of forming an addiction are greater. “90% of Americans who meet the clinical criteria for addiction started using substances before the age of 18.” So, it’s imperative we discuss the dangers and model healthy decision-making skills. (Click here to watch a video showing alcohol’s effects on different parts of the brain.)
Before we delve into the negative consequences of alcohol, let’s explore the reasons teens drink. After all, by the time a student is in middle or high school, they’ve been told about the adverse effects of drinking and know it’s illegal. Yet, in 2023, according to The Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report, 22% of high school students reported that they had drank alcohol in the previous 30 days. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states, “Underage drinking is a serious public health problem in the United States. Alcohol is the most widely used substance among America’s youth and can cause them enormous health and safety risks.”
Why do teens drink?
- They observe adults drinking alcohol. So, it stands to reason they would be curious and want to see why it’s appealing to their parents or other adults they’re around.
- Drinking is promoted through media (social media, billboards, advertisements, movies, music, etc.). We often hear, “I need a drink,” or “I deserve a drink.” These types of comments suggest that alcohol is a relaxation aid after stressful days and a fitting way to celebrate successes.
- Peer pressure is another reason teens drink. Their friends talk them into it, or they see their peers partaking and join in to gain acceptance.
- Alcohol is easily accessible. Many adults stock it in their homes. In 2023, among adolescents ages 15 to 17 who reported drinking alcohol in the past month, 84.3% reported getting it for free the last time they drank.
- They like the feeling alcohol provides. Unfortunately, many don’t understand the ramifications of drinking at an early age or that they will need to increase their intake to achieve the same effects.
When we understand our children’s motives for drinking, we are more capable of coming alongside them. We can talk with them about the dangers and help them say no to this risky behavior.
What Can Parents Do?
- Drink responsibly or choose not to drink at all.
- Keep alcohol out of reach of your children. (i.e. Lock it in a cabinet or store it in your bedroom closet.)
- Model a healthy lifestyle by eating properly, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
- Encourage your children to engage in healthy activities, ones that do not involve alcohol.
- Talk with your children about the dangers.
- As mentioned above, alcohol interferes with brain development.
- Alcohol is a depressant and “blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain. This alters a person’s perceptions, emotions, movement, vision, and hearing.”
- Drinking impairs judgment and causes injuries and deaths.
- It increases the chances of physical and sexual assault and leads to other problems, such as the use of other substances.
- Drinking before the brain is fully developed increases the risk of alcohol problems later in life.
In addition, remind your child often that you love them unconditionally, you want them to live a long healthy life, and you are there for them no matter what. Because of this, they can contact you at any time, day or night, if they find themselves in a place where they need help. Whether they’ve been drinking, or their ride has been, let them know they can call you for assistance. That you will pick them up without questioning their behavior. Of course, you may discuss the situation the next morning and update house rules or guidelines accordingly.
Mostly importantly, keep talking. Cultivate a relationship with your child that encourages discussions about problems or issues that arise in their lives. Listen. Empathize. And offer guidance without judgment. You’ve got this! Barb Winters is a Sexual Risk Avoidance Specialist, author of Sexpectations: Helping the Next Generation Navigate Healthy Relationships, and founder of Hopeful Mom. In March 2025, Barb was named in the list of 20 Inspiring Women Dedicated to Making Life Safer for Kids.
