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Talk to your Kids About Underage Drinking! They're Listening!
By Tyler Allen [Guest Article]
The Century Council has released new survey results which reveal parents continue to be the leading influence on their children's decisions not to drink alcohol. Additionally, the survey demonstrates when it comes to talking about underage drinking; kids are actually listening to their parents when they discuss this serious, important, and sometimes awkward topic.
According to the research, parental influence with regard to underage drinking has increased significantly over the past 10 years. Today, 83% of youth ages 10-18 years old, cite parents as the leading influence in their decision not to drink at all, or not to drink on occasion, which is up 28% proportionally from 2003. Also, parents rank significantly higher than friends/peers and teachers which tied for second as the leading influence on their decisions about drinking at 33%. Rounding out the top six influencers are; punishment (28%), brothers and sisters (24%) and law enforcement (23%).
"Contrary to popular belief the survey shows that parents do have a strong influence over their kids when it comes to underage drinking," said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of The Century Council. "Over the last 20 years, The Century Council has produced and provided educational tools and resources to parents, teachers, kids, coaches and other influencers to help make the conversation about underage drinking between parents and their kids easier and more effective. The Ask, Listen, Learn program is the most widely distributed underage drinking youth educational program of its kind in the country.
Risk of Underage Drinking is Resonating with Kids
Survey results indicate significant improvement in the effectiveness of conversations between caregivers and kids on the topic of underage drinking since first examined in 2003. A decade ago, research showed a disconnect between kids and parents on the topic of underage drinking. In 2003, only 26% of youth reported their parents or grandparents had spoken to them four or more times in the past year about the dangers of drinking alcohol, while 49% of parents reported to have spoken with their children.
According to the new research, parents are talking to their kids about underage drinking and they are listening. Nearly half of parents surveyed (46%), reported talking with their 10-18 year-old son or daughter four or more times in the past year about the dangers of underage drinking, and a nearly equal number (42%) of youth ages 10-18 reported speaking as frequently with their parents, grandparents, or another adult caregiver on the issue.
Beyond Alcohol Awareness Month
Parents are encouraged to visit The Century Council and Ask Listen Learn to learn more about drunk driving and underage drinking. Look for activities and blog posts throughout the month of April -- National Alcohol Awareness Month. Please continue to work to keep our nation's youth safe and alcohol free.
Posted on April 26, 2012 by Tyler Allen [Guest Article]
Tyler Allen is the Social Media Manager for Ask Listen Learn, a program developed by The Century Council along with a team of educators and psychologists specializing in middle school-aged students. The Century Council, a leader in the fight against drunk driving and underage drinking, is a not-for-profit organization in Arlington, VA. Follow the Century Council on Twitter and Facebook. Follow Ask Listen Learn on Twitter and Facebook.
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Posted April 26, 2012
by PNMom
I so agree thank you for sharing. If its not too much can you share this info on our forum? http://www.parentnook.com/forum/
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